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Holiday 

Entertainments 



Adapted to all Holidays, including 
NcT* Yearns, Washington's Birthday, 

Easter, Decoration Day, Fourth of July, 
Thanksgiving, and especially 
Christmas Occasions 

Edited by 

CHARLES C. SHOEMAKER 




I 



Philadelphia 
it 

I The Penn Publishing Compftnji 

1915 



V K 






Copyright 1887 by The National School of Elocution 
AND Oratory 



Copyright 1888 by The National School of Elocution 
AND Oratory 



Copyright 191 5 by Charles C. Shoemaker 



Holiday Entertainmenw ^ ^ ^ ^^ ^ ^ ' ^ 



?t\. 



vi~ 



CONTENTS. 



Opening* Address, . . 
Banta Ciaus Outwitted^ 
A Holiday Acrostic, 
For Another's Sake, 
A Friend at Court, 
Christening Dolly, 
Seeing Santa Clans, 
The Old and I^ew Year, 
In Santa-Claus-Land, . 
The Holiday Convention, 
The Festival of the Year, 
The Christmas Rose, . . . 
For Christmas' Sake, . . 
St. Valentine's Eevenge, . 
Our Holidays, 
A Christmas Pastime, . . 
A Flower Service, . . . . 
4 Children's Day Service, 



, Mrs. M, Ella GomeU, 

Clara J. Denton^ . . 

Elizoheth Lloyd, . . 

Clara J. Denton, . . 

3Iargiberite W. Mortwi^ 

E. C.& L.J, Book, . 

Mrs. L, A. Bradbury, 
, Mrs. E. J. Goodfdlow, 

Clara J. Denton, . . 

E. C. & L. J. Rook, . 

Edith L. Willis Linn^ , 
, Sue S. Morton, . . . 

Robert C. V. Meyers, 

Clara J. Denton, . . 

Elizabeth Lloyd, . . 

Mrs. L. A. Bradbury 

Clara J". Denton, . . 

Clara J. Denton^ . . 



17 
19 
25 
S3 
34 
5^ 
00 
74 
78 

95 
102 
109 
112 
126 
128 



CONTENTS. 



The Story ai Thanksgiving, . . Lizzie M, Hadley, . 

The Laurel Wreath, Lizzie M. Hadley, , 

The Quest of the Three Kings, . E. Munxty, .... 

Long Ago, Mrs. L. A. Bradbury ^ 

The Months and Holidays^ . . . Li2 lie M. Hadley, 
Independence Day, ..*... ^. 0. and L. J. Book, 
Christmas FV)lk and the Children, Lizzie M. Hadley, 

Besurrexit, Lizzie M. Hadley, 

<JlosiDg Address, .••«... Mrs, M. Ella Cornell, 



PAGE 

133 

141 
146 
150 
162 
180 
183 
196 
203 



DOIJDAY EA'TERTAINMENTS. 



OPENING ADDRESS. 

(For a Sabbath-School Christmas Entertainment.) 



KIND teachers, friends, and classmates dear^ 
I bid you welcome here to-night ; 
Since last we met another year 
Has taken its relentless flight. 

The years may come, the years may go. 
They each one bring upon the way 

The time of flowers, the time of snow. 
And each one brings a Christmas Oay. 

All hearts beat high and eyes are bright 

At this glad season of the year, 
As we have met to celebrate 

This time of gladsome Christmas cheer. 

In reverent thankfulness we raise. 
To Him who came to dwell on earth, 

A hymn of gratitude and praise, 

To thank Him for His wondrous birth. 

6 



6 8ANTA CLAUS OUTWITTED, 

And may all those assembled here 
Strive to deserve the priceless love 

That thought no sacrifice too dear 
To win our souls for Heaven above. 

Thus may the Christmas time e'er find 

Us full of gratitude and praise, 
And ready with our tuneful lips 

Our sougs of thankfulness to raise. 

The boon we ask of God is this: 

May each and all now gathered here, 

Through time, through all eternity, 

Spend many a bright and glad New Year. 

Mrs. M. Ella Cornelu 



SANTA CLAUS OUTWITTED. 

A DRAMA IN ONE ACT. 



CHARACTERS. 
Santa Claus, Fairy Content, 

Mrs. Santa Claus, Dot, A Messenger, 

Fairy Overcome, Sir See-Alu 

COSTUMES. 
SantaClaus.— White wig, longwnite beard, dressing-gown, knee breeches 

and slippers. 

Mrs. Santa Claus.— Ordinary home dress of an old lady. 

Fairy Overcome. — Short white dress, with wings of gilt pasteboard. 

Fairy Content.— The same, with the addition of a long rod covered wi'cb 
gilt paper. 

Dot.— Maybe eitheraboyor girl, and, as there are no lines to learn, he 
or she should be as small as possible. The effectiveness of this charac- 
ter depends wholly on the promptness with which he or she makes the 
entrances and exits. The dress should be light and airy, a pair ot 
wings being added. 

giR See-All.— Must wear a close-fitting black suit, a black mask, black 
Qiov^t and must carry a hand mirror. 



SANTA CLAU8 OUTWITTEIX 

STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

fSanta^aus and his wife should enter and exit on the right of the staggi 
Other characters on the left. 

Scene L 

Interior of Santa Clans* house. An ordinary room will 
do, but the surroundings may be modified according 
to the tastes and opportunities of the performers. 
Curtain rises, disclosing Santa Claus seated in a large 
arm-chair sleeping heavily, snoring stentorially. Enter 
Mrs. Santa Claus. Going up to her husband, she 
shakes him gently. 

Santa Claus {ivakiyig suddenly). — Eh ? What ? \^Tiat 
do you say ? 

Mrs, Santa Clans. — Supper is ready, come. 

Santa Clans {yaiiming and risbig). — Well, my dejir, 
[ suppose you think you have done your duty in awak- 
ening me, but {yawning), to tell you the plain truth, I 
heartily wish you had let me sleep until to-morrow 
morning. [ Yawns and stretches wearily.'] 

Mrs, Santa Claus. — Why, Santa Claus, are you losing 
your wits ? Sleep until morning, indeed ! What Avouid 
become of Christmas then ? 

Santa Claus {frowning). — To tell you the plain truth, 
wife, I'm tired of this Christmas business. Let me see; 
how lonof have I been working for the world ? 

Mrs. Santa Claus. — You began in the fourth century, 
M) it is only a little over fourteen hundred years. 

Santa Clans. — Only, Mrs. Santa — only, [Groam 
and sighs ] Well, I begin to feel as if Vd like to skip 
one year, take a vacation, you know. 

Mrs. Santa Claus. — But have you forgotten that 
when you were endowed with perennial strength, you 



8 »ANTA GLAUS OUTWITTED. 

agreed that you would not cease your services while the 
world stood, unless the children tired of you ? 

Santa Clans (cros-^ly). — But could I foresee that thej 
would make the chimneys too small to admit a common- 
sized dog ? 

Mi-s. Santa Claus. — Now, Santa, didn't Fairy Over= 
eome give you a charm by which you become small 
enough to go doAvn any chimney ? And, when you are 
good-natured, don't you declare the charm w^orks finely? 

Santa Clares. — Yes, but 1 haven't any charm against 
that network of wires, away up in the air that caught 
Flasher and Dasher's hoofs last Christmas, and came 
so near upsetting me. I presume there'll be some other 
new-fangled trap laid for us this year. 

3Irs. Santa Claus. — Oh ! nonsense, don't borrow 
trouble. 

Santa Claus — But to tell you the plain truth, wife, I 
think r have outlived my time. I should havegone (»ut 
wiib the stage coach, the hand-printing press, and the 
spinning wheel. Ti ere is just no place for an old fogy 
like me in these wonderful limes. 

3frs. S tnta Claus. — Yini might as well say there is no 
place for Christmas. But, after all, Santa, you know 
you are bound, as if in chains of iron, to work as long 
as the children want you. You agreed to this, so the 
decree was made, and cannot be revoked. Therefore, 
since you cannot quit, why repine ? 

Saiita Claus. — Cannot quit, eh ? Now, don't be too 
sure of that. You'll see, Mrs. Santa, this Christmas 
will finisii my labors. Oh ! it's hard cheating old Santa 
Claus, as you'll find. [^Looks at his wife cunningly^ 
%nd goes out chuckling and repeating the last sentence.'] 

Mv6, Sayita Claus.— Wh^t can he mean ? I must se@ 



SANTA CLAUS OUTWITTED. 9 

to it. [ Claps her hands three times. Enter Dot, quickly J] 
Dot, hasten to Fairy Overcome, and tell her to meet 
me in this room at once. [Dot bows and retires.l^ 
Now, I must go pour his coffee, and then conjure up 
some excuse to leave the table and meet Fairy Over« 
come here alone. 

[Curtain.] 

Scene II. — The Same. 

Curtain rising discloses Fairy Overcome standing in the 
centre of the room lost in thought. Mrs. Santa 
Claus enters hurriedly, and going up to Fairy Over- 
come hisses her hand eagerly. 

Mrs. Santa Claus. — You dear Fairy, you never failed 
me yet ; and now do tell me what ails our good Santa. 
He declares he is tired of his work, and hints darkly 
at what he means to do to cut it short. Can you explain 
his freak ? 

Fairy Ooercome. — Yes, Mrs. Santa Claus, I went to see 
your husband yesterday, as he was finishing up his gifts. 
He has prepared the paltriest of presents for every one. 
I remonstrated with him, but he only chuckled and 
laughed, and declared his long term of service was almost 
over. You see, he expects every one will be so angry 
with him that there will be a great clamor raised for 
the services of a new saint. 

Mrs, Santa Claus (wringing her hands and sobbing^.—* 
dear Fairy, can't you prevent this? 

Fairy Overcome. — Would that I could ; but do you 
not remember that no one in Santa Claus-land has the 
power to substitute other gifts for those Santa has 
prepared. [Mrs. Santa Claus coven her eyes with her 



10 SANTA GLAUS OUTWITTED. 

handkerchief and sobs, repeating the words ; ** foot' 
ish, foolish man, how miserable we will all be,'' ivhile Fairy 
Overcome stands for a moment or two lost in thought 
Suddenly she claps her hands three times and Dot enters^ 

Fairy Overcome, — Hasten, Dot, to Fairy Content, 
and tell her to come to me at once. \^Dot boivs and 
retires.^ Now, dear Mrs. Santa Claus, stay your tearSo 
I think we can outwit your cunning husband yet. 

Mrs. Santa Clam (seizing Fairy's hands and kissing 
them). — O you dear, dear Fairy, I shall love you now 
better than ever. 

{Enter Fairy Content.) 

Fairy Overcome. — This, Mrs. Santa Claus, is my 
youngest sister. Fairy Content. Now, dear sister, do 
you know where our good old Santa Claus keeps his 
Christmas gifts? 

Fairy Content. — I know the place well. 

Fairy Overcome. — Hasten, then, and touch each one 
of his gifts with your golden wand. 

(Exit Fairy Content?) 
(Enter Santa Claus, looking angry?) 

Santa Claus {crossly). — So, here's where you are, Mrs. 
Santa Claus, gossiping, eh ? [_Nods to Fairy Overcome^ 
who bows and smiles.^ I thought you said you smeiled 
the turkey burning ? [^Sits down in his chair. ^ 

Mrs. Santa Claus. — So I did, but it's all right noWe 
Never fear, dear Santa, it will be in fine condition for 
your breakfast. Only one little corner was burningj 
and I will eat that myself. 

Fairy Overcome (smiling and boiving). — I hope you 
are quite well, good Santa Claus ? 

Santa Claus (gruffly). — Well enough, but sleepy. I 
would gladly have slept until morning, but Mrs. Santa 



SANTA CLAUS OUTWITTED. 11 

has no mercy ; she would wake me up. If I only could 
have slept what a commotion there would have been 
in the world to-morrow morning — Christmas and no 
Santa Claus ! Ho ! ho ! think of it — just think of it. 

Fairy Overcome (aside to Mrs. Santa Clans). — We 
must keep him here awhile to give Fairy Content more 
time. [To Santa Claus.^ Would you really like to 
see what Christmas without Santa Claus would be ? 

Santa Claus. — Oh ! above all things. 

Fairy Overcome (claps her hands three times — enter 
Dot. To Dot). — Go quickly to Sir See-All and tell him 
he is wanted here ; but as he has no wings and is very 
slow of foot, you must give him this pill to swallow- 
He will then become so small that you can put him in 
your pocket. When you reach here, take him out, rap 
his heels together three times, and say aloud: 

*'01ie mo, tolie mo, iliuns wize, 
Now return to your natural size." 

Don't forget the words, and hasten. [^Dot boivs and 
retires.'] And now, good Santa Claus, your wish shall 
be gratified. 

Santa Claus. — I hope T shall not need to wait long; 
it is time I was leaving. Is my Christmas suit brushed, 
Mrs. Santa Claus ? 

3frs. Santa Claus. — It is, and laid in its usual place. 

Santa Clans. — And my pack and sleigh filled ? 

3frs. Santa Claus. — Xo ; but I'll go at once and at- 
tend to it while you are talking with Sir See- A 11. 

\_Exit hastily,'] 

Santa Clans (running after her). — No; come back! 
come back! I forgot. I'll do the packing myself, 
(Enter Sir See-All) 



12 SANTA CLAUS OUTWITTED. 

Fairy Overcome (^following Santa Claus). — Good 
Santa Claus, do you perceive ? Here is the sprite you 
wished to see. 

Santa Claus (returns, shaking his head and muttering, 
sits down again. Aside). — I meant to have packed 
those gifts myself this year, but I have become so ac- 
customed to having her do it that I forgot myself. 
[^Slghs.'] Well, perhaps she'll not notice them much, 
but I must make the best of it, I suppose, if she does. 
[Turiis to Sir See- AIL'] So, you have come! Can you 
show me what would have happened if I had slept until 
to-morrow morning? 

Sir See-All (breathes on the hand-mirror and hands ii 
to Santa Claus). — Good Santa Claus, 

Wish for the thing that '* might have been/' 

But now can never be. 
And, lo I before your wondering eyes 

The whole portrayed youMl see. 

(Santa Claus takes the mirror with a very gratified 
manner, the others retire to the background. From be* 
hind the scenes a piano or other musical instrument play$ 
a few bars of a plaintive melody. A soft voice then sing$ 
tQ any slow, sad air the follow hig verses:) 

(song) 

Christmas witiumt Santa Clans, 
Oh I the dreary, dreary time; 

Tears are fallino^ everywhere- 
Hushed joy's merry pealing chima 

Christmas without Santa Clans, 
Oh I where can lie be hiding? 

Will he never come again 

Behind his swift steeds riding? 



SANTA CLAUS OUTWITTED. IS 

Christmas without Santa Claus, 

Now see the tear-drops falling, 
Children sadly all day long, 
** Sweet kSanta Claus" are calling. 

(^During the singing Santa Claus continues gazing at 
the mirror, the expression of his face gradually changing 
to one of sorrow. The smile fades, he sighs, groans, shakes 
his head, mutters indistinctly, now and then wipes away a 
tear, etc,, etc.) 

[Curtain.] 

Scene III.— The Same. 

{^Enter Mrs. Santa Claus briskly, ) 
Mrs, Santa Claus.— CliYi^tmas morning. I feel like 
wishing the whole world " Merry Christmas I" If every- 
thing has worked as we planned it I am sure I have 
been the means of making the whole world happy. 
Poor Santa, he went away with a very sad face. The 
scenes in the magic mirror set him to thinking, and 1 
know he repented of his ill humor, but when he was 
done with the mirror it was past starting-time, and all 
the gifts were packed, so he could only hasten away. 
He looked so mournful that I should certainly have told 
him all had not Fairy Content assured me that to do so 
would break the charm. He will be in now soon 
l_bustles about the room as if putting it in order'], but he 
k not in a good iuimor. Even the excellent Christmas 
breakfast failed to brighten his spirits, though the turkey 
was done to a turn and the mince pies were delicious. 
Oh ! I hear him coming. 

{Enter Santa Claus, looking grave and weary.) 
Mrs, Santa Claus {wheeling out his chair). — There, 



14 SANTA CLAUS OUTWITTED. 

my dear husband, now you shall rest this whole loi*^ 
day. 

(Santa Glaus sits down and sighs profoundly.} 

Mrs, Santa Claus (adjusting the footstool to his feet}. — 
Now lean back and be comfortable. This is Christmas 
Day, remember, and you must not wear so sad a face. 

Santa Claus. — It is not Christmas Day to me, for I 
have done nothing to make others happy — not a single 
thing. 

Mrs. Santa Claus. — Why, Santa, how can you say 
that, when you have been out more fchan half the night 
blessing people ? 

Santa Claus (gTuffly). — Blessing them indeed, you 
little know what you are talking about. 

Mrs. Santa Claus. — Well, out with your "merry- 
sight glass," now, and perhaps a view through that will 
raise your spirits. 

Santa Claus. — I can^t ; I have no " merry-sight glass." 

Mrs. Santa Claus. — Haven't any ! Why, what has 
come over you ? 

Santa Claus. — I threw it out of the sleigh last night, 
for I never want to use it again, and it went down, 
down, down in the blackness and darkness. 

Mrs. Santa Claus. — O Santa ! how strange you are 
growing ; but you must have another. I must see what 
is going on among people this morning, that's all the 
pleasure of Christmas to me. [^Claps hands three times. 
Enter Doti] Go quickly to Fairy Overcome and tell 
her to send us a " merry -sight glass." 

Santa Clans (rising quickly). — No, no ; come back. Dot. 

Mrs. Santa Claus (running forward and holding Santa 
Claus back). — Hasten ! hasten. Dot, and heed him not 
(Exit Dotj mmftly.) 



SANTA CLAUS OUTWITTED. 15 

Santa Claus (mournfully), — You meitn well, good 
wife, but indeed you will repent this rashness [return' 
ing slowly to his chair'] ; but when it comes to the worst 
don't say that I didn't warn you, don't say that you 
didn't bring the whole trouble on your own head. [Sits 
down.'] And remember, too [arigrily'], that I am in 
no mood to be found fault with. [Drops his chin on his 
breast. Enter Dot and hands to Mrs. Santa Claus a tele- 
scope or a pair of opera-glasses and retires.] 

Mrs. Santa Claus {aside). — How badly he does feel, 
poor man. [Takes her place near his chair, and raised 
the glass to her eyes.] 

Santa Claus {angrily). — You'd better throw it down. 
But, remember, I warned you. 

Mrs^ Santa Claus {softly). — 

Magic glass, 
Now let pass 
The scenes of Christmas morning, 

( While Mrs. Santa Claus is looking through the glass 
the other characters enter silently in the following order 
and arrange themselves behind her in a half circle : Fairy 
Overcome, Fairy Content, Sir See- All, Dot. While they 
are taking their jjlaces Mrs. Santa Claus smiles, frequently 
murmuring, '' AhT " lovely, ^^ " beautifulj^ etc., under her 
breath, Santa Claus meanwhile watching her keenly.) 

Santa Claus {rising eagerly, and taking his place 
beside her). — What do you see, good wife ? 

Mrs. Santa Clems {still gazing). — I see the most 
beautiful sights — happiness, mirth, smiles, bright eyes, 
and lightly dancing feet. There is a little girl who 
0nged for a wax doll, and to whom you took a rag one 



16 SANTA GLAUS OUTWITTED. 

[^Santa groans'] ; she is hugging and kissing it in delight 
and truly it is the most beautiful doll I ever saw. lis 
clothes glisten and glitter, and its face is charming. 

Saiita Claus, — What does this mean ? Here, give me 
the ^lass. [ Takes it and looks through it a moment.'] A 
»?*ansformation indeed. I cannot understand it. [i^e- 
moves glass and looks around,] A mystery ! a mystery I 

Mrs. Santa Claus. — No mystery at all, dear Santa. 
Fairy Content, will you explain ? 

Fairy Content (advancing). — With this magic wand, 
dear Santa Claus, I touched your paltry gifts, and 
straightway over them was sifted the bright gold of 
content, which neither time nor usage can wear away. 
Your eyes were so covered by the scales of discontent 
that you did not perceive their charm when you were 
handling them. And, now, you see, your gifts, instead 
of being scorned as you intended, are received with a 
joy never known before, and you were never loved by 
the world as you are at this moment. 

Santa Clans {taking her hand). — How can I thank 
you enough, sweet Fairy Content? \_Releases her hand. J 
Although I have lived so many centuries, I have proved 
that I am not too old to learn, for I have discovered 
that the best gift to mortals on Christmas morning is 
that bright, imperishable one, Content, and since I have 
gained this knowledge, I am thankful that, for once, at 
leasts Santa Claus was Outwitted. 

(They aliform about him in a circle.^ 

[Tableau.] 

[Curtain.] 

Clara J, Denton, 



A HOLIDAY ACROSTIC. 17 

A HOLIDAY ACROSTIC. 

(For nine little children.) 



The children enter one at a time, each bearing a banner containing his 
©wif letter, or wearing on the l)reast a pasteboard letter covered with gilt 
paper or evergreen. 

First Child, a— 

STANDS for the Children, who always are ready 
To welcome St. Nick with his sleigh full of toys ,' 
He never forgets to come round every winter 

With lots of nice things for all good girls and boys. 

Second Child, H. — 

H stands for the Holly with bright scarlet berries ; 

How fresh its green leaves look upon the gray wall. 
Other trees are all bare and spread their brown 
branches, 

But the dear Christmas holly keeps green for us all. 

Third Child, R,— 

R's the Roast turkey — the biggest and brownest 

That ever came out of an oven, I trow, 
With cranberry-sauce, nuts, raisins, plum-pudding- — 

It makes my mouth water to think of it now. 

Fourth Child, I. — 

I stands for the Ice on the pond in the meadow. 

Hurrah for the skaters as swiftly they glide ! 
Each season in turn brings its full share of pleasures ; 

How rich are the blessings the Lord doth provide ! 

Fifth Child. S,— 

S stands for our Sleds as they shoot down the hill-side, 
Like swift- winged birds o'er the glistening snow ; 
2 



18 A HOLIDAY ACROSTIC. 

The cold, frosty air fairly makes our cheeks tingle, 
But we climb to the hill-top with faces aglow. 

Sixth Child, T.~ 

T stands for the Tree now so heavily laden, 

The gay Christmas-tree with its wonderful fruit ; 
Whatever you wish you may pluck from its branches, 

You're indeed hard to please if there's nothing to 
suit. 

Seventh Child. M.— 

M is the dear Mother who never forgets us. 

She knows what we want old Kriss Kingle to bring •> 
I think each December she writes him a letter. 

Or else, now and then, he would leave the wrong 
thing. 

Eighth Child, A, — 

A is for Appetite ; every boy has one, 

And we've each of us laid in an extra supply ; 
So pass round your oranges, nuts, caKCS, and candies. 

And we'll eat them all up, or at least we will try. 

Ninth Child. S.— 

S is for Santa Claus — ;]olly old fellow, 

Who creeps down the chimney so sly and so still, 
And is up and away again while we are sleeping ; 

Let us give him three cheers with a hearty good- wall 



4£— 



Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 

(^All recite in concert) 
O Christmas ! merry Christmas I 
It has really come once mor^ 



FOR another's sake. 1^ 

With its memories and greetings, 

With the joys it has in store ! 
Let the bells in all the steeples 

Usher in that blessed morn 
When Jesus Christ, our Saviour, 

In Bethlehem was born. 
For the world is full of gladness, 

And our hearts with love o'erflow, 
** As we listen to the music 

Of the bells across the snow." 

Elizabeth Lloyi>. 



FOR ANOTHER'S SAKE. 

A DRAMA IN ONE SCENE. 



CHARACTERS. 

Maiden, Time, 

Youth, Old Year, 

New Year. 

COSTUMES. 

Maiden. -Very simple white dress, flowing hair. On entrance a white 
shawl is thrown about her head and shoulders, which she removes at 
the proper place. 

Youth. — Plain black suit. 

Time. — Wrapped in white. White beard and wig. Carriage erect, man- 
ner active. Large, white pasteboard wings would add greatly to the 
effect ; also, either a sickle or an hour-glass borne in his hand. 

Old Year.— Wrapped in grav, white wig and beard. His form must b« 
much bent, his step uncertain and feeble, his right hand resting on a 
cane, 

Kew Year.— This character should be personated by a boy as small as 
can be found to interpret the part with intelligence and grace. The 
costume should be a long, white, flowing robe. 

BcENE. — A pathway in the woods. This can be effect- 
ively represented by arranging small evergreen trees 
ik,t the back of the stage or room, and removing all 



20 FOR another's sake. 

furniture from the foreground, if the representation 
occurs in the latter place. The lights on the stage 
should be dim. Before the curtain rises a bell 
tolls slowly and faintly, and continues to do so until 
the departure of the old year. Curtain rising shows 
Maiden standing in centre of the stage in a listening 
attitude. Stands thus for about ten seconds. 

Maiden. — It must be the farewell bell, yet how it 
eludes me. I have followed it on and on, yet it sounds 
as faint and far away as ever. Poor Old Year, I hoped 
to find him by following the sound of the bell. If I 
could only see him ere he departs I would seek his for- 
giveness for anything I may have done to bring him 
one hour of sadness. Can it be that I have in any 
way added to his burdens ? Let me try to remember. 
[Walks aside^ 

{Enter Youth,) 

Youth, — That parting bell ! Still it sounds. The 
Old Year is going fast they tell me. But what matter, 
since a New Year comes to take his place — another, per- 
haps brighter and better. [_Sees the Maiden.'] Ah ! fair 
maiden, are you here to wait the coming of the glad 
New Year ? 

Maiden {advancing), — No ; I would watch the going 
of the Old. Will he pass this way, do you think ? 

Youth, — I cannot tell. But why assume so sad a 
countenance ? Why grieve thus for him ? Were it not 
better to teach your face to wear the smiles and happy 
glances that should welcome the coming of the New 
Year? 

Maiden, — Perhaps so. But the Old Year is dear to 
me. He has brought me much happiness, and I ana 



FOE another's sake. 21 

ioth to part with him. Neither am I in ha«te to wel- 
come the New Year, for who can tell what ill he may 
have in store for me. He may be false and cruel. Ah ! 
yes ; I fear — I dread his coming. 

Youth, — How weak, how idle are your fears. If th© 
Old Year was kind, may you not hope that his successor 
will be the same ? 

Maiden. — Your words are reassuring, still I would fain 
keep the Old Year a little longer. I know I have not 
always showered upon him the love he deserves. I fear 
I have been unkind, and I would that he might linger 
until I have atoned for my faults. 

Youth (waving his hand lightly). — A fig for the Old 
Year! Let him pass unregretted. Little cares he for the 
deeds of mortals. Naught to him are you and I. Let 
us then be gay, thinking only of our own happiness^ 
and hoping that the New Year will smile benignly 
upon us. 

Maiden. — But should we not at least give smile for 
smile ? 

Youth. — What cares he for smiles or frowns ? Hark 1 
I hear a step. \_EnteT Time. Youth and Maiden starting 
hack and speaking to each other.'] Can this be he? 

Time. — What ! mortals in my path ? 

Maiden (advancing timidly, and throtving off the shaim 
falls on her knees). — Dear Old Year — 

Time (waving his hand). — Rise! thou art wrong. \ 
am Time, thy father. Fain would I assist thee to rise, 
but the touch of Time is blighting. My hand laid oit 
that sunny head would turn those golden locks to gray, 
[Should the maiden be dark haired change the war a 
** sunny " to '' glossy^' and '' golden " to " chestnut ^' or 
** raveUy' as the case requires.'] But, rise, 'twere vain tu 



22 FOR another's sake. 

kneel to me, since no pleading can change my powei. 
Unkind, inexorable, I ever must ren ain. 

Maiden {rising^. — Nay, say not so, dear Father Time. 
Thou hast been kind to me. Thou hast brought me 
from a helpless child to a strong, active maiden. 

Time. — Aye, and I will bring thee still on to weak, 
tottering iDfirmity ; then wilt thou say, dear Father Time ? 

Maiden. — Ah ! yes ; for it may be thou wilt kindly 
help me to forget many sorrows. 

Time. — Sorrows ! What knoweth thy youth and love- 
liness of sorrow ? 

Maiden. — I have heard of it, my father. I have seen 
loving eyes weep burning tears. I have also heard lips 
declare that Time had been kind to them and healed 
their woes. Then why, dear Father Time, should 
mortals hate thee ? 

Time {raising his hands in blessing). — To thee I would 
fain be ever kind, and bring only life's choicest gifts. 

Youth (advancing). — And for me what treasure hast 
thou in store ? 

Time. — That which thou most desirest, many, many 
new years. 

Maiden. — But the Old Year — comes he this way soon ? 

Time (turning half around and pointing behind him). 
— Lo ! there he comes. [^Enter Old Year, stepping so 
slowly that his progress across the stage is almost imper- 
ceptible. This motion must be maintained until his final 
exit It will require some practice on the part of the per- 
sonator, but, if skillfully done, will add much to the effect- 
iveness of the part. Maiden advances and kneels, but 
must be careful not to fall directly in his path, thereby in- 
tercepting his progress. She must also kneel at a distance 
fl/ three or four feet from him.~\ 



FOR ANOTHER^S SAKE. 23 

Maiden. — Dear Old Year, have I done aught to 
grieve thee ? Has any act of mine bowed thy once 
erect form, or wrinkled thy once smooth brow ? If yes 
must be thy answer, oh I then, add, also, *' I forgive 
thee." 

Old Year (in a low, trembling voice). — N'o, MaideUj 
no ; my aching shoulders bend beneath the grievous 
burdens humanity has cast upon them, but the weary 
weight has not been increased by thy deeds. Sweet 
Maiden, since goodness, truth, and a thoughtful, un- 
selfish heart is thine, bright days will the coming year 
bring to thee. \^Lifts his hands in blessing.^ 

Youth (^aside). — The graybeard promises well. No 
doubt he has power over the coming Year. It were well 
to propitiate him, but I must imitate the maiden's man- 
ner. [^Falling on his hiees^ Dear Old Year, if I have 
wronged thee ever, grant me, I beg thee, thy forgiveness. 

Old Year (^angrily, and extending his hand threat- 
eningly^. — Wronged me ! Yes ; seest thou these bowed 
and trembling shoulders ? Know then, thy hands have 
cast many a burden thereon. Thy complainings, thy 
discontent, thy railings at others' faults, thy selfishness, 
thy greed — all, all have added to the load I bear. 
Begone ! [ Youth rises and retreats to Time.'] And 
thou, O Father Time ! farewell. I go to join yon 
shadowy throng that people thy mysterious kingdom. 

Time (uplifting his h%nd in blessing). — Farewell, thy 
mission is ended. Better the earth for thy coming , 
loath, indeed, is it to behold thy going. 

(Behind the scenes is now -"softly sung, to any plaintive 
air, the following lines, and the progress of the Old Year 
must be so timed that his exit occur synchronously with 
ihe singing of the last line. As the song is finished the 



24 FOR another's sake. 

hell also ceases tolling , and, at the same time, the New Yeat 
enters with light and dancing steps.) 

SONG. 

Farewell, Old Year, farewell, 
Slowly sounds thy parting; knell, 
Closed so soon thy brief career. 
And so old, so bowed, so sere. 
Through yon portals, dim and gray, 
Thou art passing now away, 

Away, away, away. 

(Wfien the New Year enters Time advances with ex- 
tended hand. They clasp hands. The Youth and 
Maiden advance and kneel before the New Year, Tab- 
leau while the following lines are sung behind the scene to 
any light, merry air.) 

SONG. . 

Welcome! hail! new-born Year I 
Smiles upon thy face appear, 
Bring us joy and merry cheer, 
Banish hate and pain and fear, 

Welcome, welcome, welcome. 

Maiden. — Fair Young Year, I kneel to thee. I 
would bring to thee gifts from a loving heart. The 
gift of tireless efforts for others, the gift of tender smiles 
and helpful words. These I would gladly lay at thy 
feet all thy coming days. 

Time (aside). — O wise Maiden! 

Youth {aside to Maiden). — What a golden opportu* 
nity you have lost. Why did you not sue for gifts for 
yourself? [To the New Year.'] O Year ^ be kind; 
^ive to me happiness, wealth, and ease. 



A. FRIEND AT COURT. 25 

Tiine (aside), — Foolish Youth ! 

New Year (laying a hand on the head of each), — Be 
it unto you according to your prayers. 

Yonth (aside), — Ah fortunate, happy me! 

New Year, — Thou, sweet maiden, hast thought only 
of the happiness thou couldst bring to me, therefore, 
rich blessings of love, peace, content, and joy shall 
keep thee company through all my changing days 
Thou, O most selfish youth ! must look to thyself alone 
for gifts. Thou hast no offering for me ; from me, then, 
hope for nothing. 

Time, — Rise then, mortals [they rise and confront 
Time and the New Year'], and take this lesson to your 
^inmost hearts. He who w^ould know a happy New Year, 
must make it so by his loving deeds to others. " For 
Another's Sake " is the bright gold of life that can gild 
its dullest days with unfading brightness. N'ow, in 
your youth, make this priceless gold your own. [He 
raises his hands in bUssing, Youth drops his head upon 
kis breast and folds his arms,'] 

[Tableau.] 

[Curtain.] 

Clara J. Denk)n. 



A FRIEND AT COURT, 



fPHERE was a general air of festive preparation 
J- throughout the old Featherston homestead. It 
was Christmas Eve, and the morrow was to witness the 
annually recurring family reunion. Grandma's face 
wore a smile of perfect contentment as she thought of 



26 A FRIEND AT COUKT. 

the sons and daughters whom she was to see once more 
in an unbroken family circle. Small Robbie fairly 
scintillated with delight as he reveled in anticipation 
of the numerous presents that would be sure to accrue 
from such a goodly company to the youngest, and, con- 
sequently, the pet of the family. And there was a 
happy light in Muriel's eyes — for Fred was coming, 
too. 

And who was Fred ? If you had asked any of the 
other members of the Featherston family, they would 
hax^e been sure to smile significantly and reply, " Ask 
Muriel." But if you had propounded the question to 
that young lady, she would have been quite at a loss to 
tell you anything more than that Fred was — w^ell, he 
was just Fred — and unless you happen to be a young 
lady yourself, you might not be much the wiser. 

In order, therefore, to throw a little more light upon 
the question of this young man's identity, you shall 
have a glimpse of Muriel's thoughts, as she sat looking 
out upon the white, moonlit lane that Christmas Eve. 

She was thinking of another evening, several months 
before, when this same Fred had bidden them all good- 
bye and she had walked with him down the lane to wait 
for the stage-coach, in which he was to begin his journey 
to a distant city. Fred had accepted Mrs. Feathergton's 
urgent invitation to spend Christmas with them, and at 
first he and Muriel talked only of this prospective v^sit. 
Then Fred had remarked, with studied carelessness and 
the air of introducing a totally new subject of conver- 
sation, that he wanted to give a certain cousin of his a 
nice present, and which did Muriel think would be the 
nicer — a bracelet or a fan ? And Muriel had replied 
without hesitation that she was sure the cousin would 



A FRIEND AT COURT. 2? 

prefer a bracelet, and even, when urged, went so far as 
to give a sufficiently minute description of one that she 
thought would be "just the thing." And later on^ 
Muriel had incidentally asked Fred, still in the same 
strictly impersonal manner, if he thought bine a pretty 
color for a dressing-gown, to which he returned an em- 
phatic affirmative. And then his voice took a lower 
tone as he told her about the prospects that awaited him 
in the busy world to which he was going, and of how, 
when he came back, if all went well with him — but just 
here, of course, the old stage-coach came rattling over 
the brow of the hill, and Fred had only time to say, as 
he held Muriel's hand in a close clasp at parting : 

" I want you to be the first to welcome me, Muriel. 
Will you meet me here ?" 

And Muriel had promised, with a timid blush 
and a trustful glance that made Fred's heart beat 
quicker then, and ever afterwards when he recalled this 
scene. 

And now the time had almost come to fulfill that 
promise. Up in Muriel's room was the prettiest blue 
dressing-gown that her dainty fingers could construct, 
and somewhere on the white road, stretching so far in 
the moonlight, the crazy old stage-coach, at every revo- 
lution of its creaking wheels, was bringing Fred nearer 
and nearer. 

Muriel glanced at the clock. In fifteen minutes the 
coach would be due. She was just about to reach out 
her hand for her fleecy hood, when her mother spoke. 

" Muriel," said she, " I can't spare Sarah now, and it 
is long past Robbie's bed-time. Can't you put him to 
i>ed to-night ?" 

Muriel turned, with a little sinking of the heart, to 



28 k FRIEND AT COURT. 

do her mother's bidding. Perhaps, even yet^ there 
might be time. But Kobbie was excited and wakeful, 
so he rebelled vigorously against the idea of going to 
bed, and, being gifted with obstinacy enough for a full- 
grown man, it w-as some time before Muriel succeeded 
in tucking him into his little w^hite crib. This accom- 
plished, she began to sing softly, but Robbie's mutinous 
spirit resented this palpable attempt to inveigle him 
into slumber, and he said, defiantly : 

"Oh! I aint going to sleep just yet, Muriel. Tell 
me a story — two or three of 'em !" 

" A fairy story ?" asked Muriel, faintly. 

" No, tell me about Daniel, first." 

Thus instructed, Muriel began. Fortunately, she had 
told this story so often that it had become a purely 
mechanical performance. Her thoughts wandered far 
away from the subject. At last, Robbie lay so still that 
Bhe paused, experimentally. 

" Oh ! you needn't think I'm asleep," cried the small 
tyrant, drowsily. " Go on, Muriel, what happened to 
him then ?" 

And Muriel hastily resumed : 

" Oh ! they threw him into a den of great, fierce, 
hungry lions, Robbie, and "—(Was that the sound of a 
footstep crunching the crisp snow^ in the lane ? Muriel's 
heart seemed to stop beating.) 

" Go on, go on V cried Robbie, impatiently. 

What story had she been telling him ? For an in* 
gtant it all went out of Muriel's mind, and she said^ 
quite at random : 

" And then the fairy god-mother came "— 

There was an indignant flounce under the white bed^ 
tlothes. 



A FRIEND AT COURT. 29 

"Whose fairy god-mother? — Daniers?'' inquired 
Robbie, with sarcastic scorn. 

(Now the footsteps have reached the porch, and now 
•—ah ! he has come !) 

" And I just think, Muriel," went on Robbie, severely, 
^' you'd better read your Bible carefuller, and then 
maybe you won't be so cross." 

"O Robbie! Robbie! it's too late," and Muriel's 
head went down despairingly on the pillow. 

" Oh ! no, I guess it isn't," replied Robbie, patroniz= 
ingly, somewhat gratified by the remarkable effect which 
his admonition seemed to have produced. 

There was a long silence, broken at last by a little 
sob from Muriel. A moment later a small hand alighted 
gently on her head, and Robbie whispered : 

" Sing to me now, Muriel. I'll be good." 

So Muriel sang, in a voice that would quiver a little, 
until Robbie lay fast asleep. 

Then she crept softly to the top of the stairs. She 
could hear voices and laughter in the room below, and 
at last one voice inquired, in tones of the calmest in- 
difference, 

" Where's Muriel ?" 

And Mrs. Featherston exclaimed : 

" Sure enough ! she must be up-stairs somewhere.'* 

And then somebody came to the foot of the stairs and 
called her. 

Pride, not without a touch of vanity, was an import* 
ant element of Mr. Fred's character. It is needless to 
say that he met Muriel with an affectation of friendly 
indifference and an utter ignoring of all else in the past. 
And was it strange that Muriel's manner unconsciously 
matched his ? She would have broken through w^alls 



30 A FRIEND AT COURT. 

of stone and gates of brass if such substantial obstacles 
had come between herself and Fred ; the slight, ic^ 
barrier which he himself erected, as a defense for his 
pride, chilled her into inaction. Only one person noted 
the change that came over her. Dear old Grandma, 
perhaps because her spirit was so near the regions of 
eternal youth, saw and understood it all. 

The evening passed miserably enough to MurieL 
Her cheeks burned with shame whenever she thought 
of that dressing-gown, over which she had expended so 
much time and indulged so many sweet fancies. 

" At least, he shall never know anything about it,'' 
she determined. " But — can he have forgotten ?" 

And Fred, as he unpacked his valise that nights 
glanced, with a slight smile of self-contempt, at a small 
Russia-leather case which was among its contents. 

" She shall never know !'' he declared almost fiercely 
" But — can she hi»ve forgotten ?'' 

The next morning brought a host of uncles, aunts, 
and cousins. Muriel was gayest of the gay, entertain- 
ing young and old, never faltering except when she met 
Grandma's kind, questioning gaze fixed upon her. 

After dinner the young people all went for a sleigh- 
ride, leaving the older ones to arrange all sorts of 
charming surprises for the evening. 

Robbie, with a view to making the delights of the 
occasion last as long as possible, had decreed that the 
distribution of the gifts should be deferred until Christ- 
mas night, and he was now, with Grandma's assistance, 
busily preparing his little presents, attaching to each a 
card on which he had laboriously printed '* For mamma 
with Robbie's love ;" " For papa, with Robbie's love/ 
and so on^ throughout the entire family connect^^u 



A FRIEND AT COURT. 31 

They were in Muriel's room, just finishing this import- 
ant task, when Robbie made a most astonishing dis^ 
covery. 

" Look, Grandma !" he cried, " Muriel's forgot her 
present I" 

" What present, dear ?" asked Grandma. 

" Why, the thing she's been making for Fred ! 
Sha'n't I take it to papa with mine?" 

Robbie waited a long, long time for an answer, and 
was about to repeat his question, when Grandma said, 
quietly : 

" Yes, Robbie, you may. Is Fred's name on it ?" 

" No, but I'll put it on," cried Robbie, with officious 
eagerness. " How do you spell Fred ?" 

And in a few moments the package was hanging on 
the tree, duly labeled, in Robbie's, tipsy capitals, " For 
Fred, with Muriel's love." 

That night, Fred, being the tallest of the party, was 
elected to distribute the presents. It happened thathi^ 
own package was the last, and no one noticed the quick 
flush of astonishment that swept over his face as he read 
the card and hastily tore off the wrappings. No one ? 
Ah, yes ! Muriel noticed it at once, with feelings 
closely allied to horror ; and as Fred took a quick step 
in her direction she rose, with only one idea in her 
mind, a wild, unreasoning longing to escape. A moment 
later she was in the dusky hall — but, so was Fred ! 

They did not return to the others until long after 
Robbie, wirh all his bright anticipations realized, had 
been removed to the nursery. Exactly what took place 
in the interval not even Grandma ever knew, but the 
soft flush on Muriel's face, and the persistency with 
\^hich she avoided the look of a glad^ half-teasing 



82 A FRIEND AT COURT. 

triumph in Fred's blue eyes, left little to conjecture 
and on Muriel's arm flashed a dainty jeweled bracelet 
■ — an exact counterpart of the one she was so sure would 
be acceptable to Fred's cousin. 

A little later Muriel ran up to the nursery, where 
Robbie v/as sitting bolt upright in his crib, too excited 
to sleep, with all his presents round him. 

" Look, Muriel !" he cried, as soon as he saw her. 
*' Lots o' things I got — candy and picture-books and — " 

But here he was interrupted by a hearty hugandkiss, 
and the assurance that he was " the dearest, sweetest 
little fellow in the world!" 

Servile flattery was the very breath of Robbie's nos- 
trils. He instantly became perfectly cherubic, and 
clasped his arms around Muriel's neck with the most 
enchanting graciousness. 

" Fred sent you his love and a kiss," went on Muriel, 
confidentially. " Don't you want to send him a nice 
message in return ?" 

"Yes," said Robbie, a sweet little smile just touching 
his lips, and lighting up his large, dark eyes. 

" AVhat shall I tell him, pet ?" 

" Something nice," came with angelic sweetness from 
the daintily curved lips. 

" Of course, darling," ecstatically. " What shall it 
be?" 

" Well," after a comprehensive survey of his trea- 
sures, " I guess some tin soldiers, and a 'x press wagon, 
and a box. of cards — got everything else I want!" and 
he settled himself among the pillows with a sigh of 
tneffable contentment. 

Of course, this original and affecting message was 
hdy delivered to Fred. Need I add that it met with a 



CHRISTENING DOLj;*Y. 83 

prompt and liberal response ? In short, from that time 
forth life seemed to Robbie one perpetual Christmas. 
Fred never allowed him to actually suffer for candy, 
and Muriel told him stories every night, without once 
losing eitlier her temper or the thread of her discourse* 
Thus did they hold in grateful remembrance the impor- 
tant occasion on w^hich Robbie proved himself " a friend 

at cr»ur J' 

Marguerite W. Mortok, 



CHRISTENING DOLLY. 

(For a nttle girl.) 



SEE, this is my Christmas dolly. 
Two weeks ago she came ; 
And, oh ! the trouble I have had 
To find a pretty name. 

At first I thought of Marguerite — • 
A French name, meaning " pearl *^-^ 

But Nellie said, " Oh ! that's too stiff 
For such a graceful girl." 

And then I mentioned, one by one, 
Susanna, Ruth, and Poll, 
* But they are too old-fashioned nameSj** 
Nell said, " to suit your doll.'' 

So next I got a great big book, 

And searched it through and through^ 
Then shook my head and sadly jaid ; 
" There's not one name will do, ' 
8 



34 SEEING SANTA GLAUS. 

My brother Tom was pitting near; 
He raised his eyes and smiled ; 
" Why, Pussy, dear," he kiodly said, 
"Suppose 1 Dame your child." 

•*0h! will you, Brother Tom?" I cri^ 
And then I hugged him, so; 
(hugging her doll.) 

•* We'll play you are the parson 

That christens folks, you know.'* 

So then, he took her in his arms 

And solemnly and slow 
He said : '' This baby's name shall be 

Miss Josephine, or Jo." 

And there, before I knew it, 

My baby had a name ; 
And what I like about it, is. 

That mine is just the same. 

E. C. AND L. J. EOOK 



SEEING SANTA CLAUS. 

A CHRISTMAS MYSTERY. 



PERSONS OF THE PLAY. 

Charley.— A skeptical sohool-boy. 
Annie— His sister, rather younger. 
Father.- Who also represents Santa Glaus. 
Mother.— Who al?o represents a Fairy. 
Bridget.— Til e cook. 
EoMEo.— A colored servant. 
Two Boys with the Boar's Head. 
A GiKL with the Cross. 
A chorus of Children. 



SEEING SAXTA CLAUS. 35 

The scene is a parlor, with pictures on the walls, deco- 
rated with Christmas green. A fire-place at the back, 
near which stand two chairs with a long stocking 
hung on each. A large arm-chair, with an afghan 
over the back, stands at one side in the extreme front 
of the stage ; a ccmmon chair on the opposite side 
against the Avail. The stage is almost dark. En- 
trances right and left. Annie and Charley, in night- 
gowns and slippers, enter softly at opposite sides and 
feel their way carefully along; they bounce against 
each other in the middle of the stage. 

Both (^starting bach). — Oh ! 

Charley, — Is that you, Annie? 

Annie. — Why, Charley, how you frightened me I 

Charley. — What are you doing here ? 

Annie. — What did you come for ? 

Charley. — Why, I — I thought I'd just look round a 
little. 

Annie. — -So did I ; but it's so dark ! 

Charley. — Yes ; and you know the world's upside 
down, too. 

Annie. — Oh! dear. \_C lings to him.'] How do you 
know? 

Charley. — It always is in the night : it turns over. 
( They go forivard.) 

Annie. — Turns over ? But why don't we tumble of^ 
then? 

Charley. — Because — because there's some kind of at' 
traction — I can't explain ; you're too little to understand. 

Annie. — But I'm not upside-down. [^Takes hold oj 
the arm-ehair.'] 

Charley. — Yes you are — both of us are, and every- 



S6 SEEING SANTA CLAIM. 

body, just like flies on the ceiling, only we don't notice, 
because it's dark. \_Takes hold of the arm-chair?^ 

Annie, — Let's go to bed again ? 

Charley,— W^W, perhaps we'd better. You go first, 

Annie {looking round). — I'm afraid. {^Charley goes 
slowly a few steps.'] Charley ! 

Charley (^stopping).— Wha.t ? 

Annie. — Don't go. I'm afraid. 

Charley. — What shall we do ? 

Anfiie, — Here's the big chair. Let's sit in it to« 
gether. 

( Charley returns, and both children sit in the chair,) 

Charley.' — What did you come for, really ? 

Annie. — I wanted to see Santa Claus. 

Charley. — Do you believe there is any Santa Claus ? 

A^mie. — Don't you ? 

Charley. — I don't know. 

Annie. — Then why did you come? 

Charley. — I wanted to find out. 

Annie.— 1 didn't think it would be so dark, did you? 

Charley. — I don't know. 

Annie (rising in the chair). — Let's ut the afghan over 

OS. 

( Takes it from the back of the chair.) 

Charley. — ^Aren't you going back to bed ? 

Annie. — I don't know ; are you? 

Charley. — Not just yet. 

Annie, — Then I sha'n't go. \^They nestle together^ 
and Annie spreads the afghan over them and tucks it m.] 
There I it's almost like a bed, isn't it ? 

Chctf^ley. — Yes. \_Pause, during which they close their 
eyes ar i begin to breathe Aarc?.] Annie, does your head 
feel qi ^r? 



SEEING SiA^TA GLAUS* SI 

Annie.'— Yes ; does jo^rs ? 

Charley.-— Th&Vs because we're upside-down, 

Annie. — ^Let's go to sleep, and the world will get al! 
tight again in a minute — it always does. 

Charley (very sleepy).— You're too little to under- 
stand. 

( They sleep. Soft mnsic on the piano. The stage he* 
Qomes light. Enter Santa Clans and a Fairy, who go to 
ike stockings. Almost immediately the Fairy looks toward 
the children^ then touching Santa Clans and pointing 
toward them, sings ;) 

Fairy. — Ou-til-lon sa-i-da ! 

Santa Clans. — Cor la-na fa-clii I 

{They approach the children.^ 

Fairy. — Mel-or-neo li-ta! 

Santa Clans. — Ca-to-ni bla-vo na-cha I 

(^They turn, and Sunta Clans goes out. Fairy sings^ 
waving her arms alternately toward the children and the 
stockings in operatic style.) 

Fairy. — Ta li-da qui-ta^ 
Ma-de-ra fa-la, 
Pa-to-leo di-ti, 

Ca-me-ri oula ta-li I 

(Santa Clans enters with a basket of bundles, large and 
miall, which he and the Fairy proceed to put in the stocJc^ 
ings and to arrange on the chairs.) 

Santa C/^ai*.?.— Fa-ri-na lao-di 1 

Fairy. — Sar pel-lo ret-ti ! 

Santa Claus. — La bol-zion ou-da I 

Fairy. — O bet-ta eh he bet-ta ! \_They both laugh, 
and continue at work. When all the presents are ar* 
ranged, they advance again.'] Fairy (with a gesture to- 
ward one stocking). — Los e-tos Charley I 



88 SEEING SANTA CLAUS. 

Santa Claus {with a gesture toward the other). — Eh aV 
ta Annie ! 

{They turn and go out. The music changes to a 
march or processional, soft at first and gradually becoming 
louder. While it is still soft, enter two boys bearing a 
salver on ivhich is a Eoars Head set on a wreath of ever^ 
green and decked with flowers. Behind them follows a 
girl with a tall gilt cross wreathed with green ; and after 
her a procession of children with wreaths of evergreen 
and branches of holly and spruce ; two of the last and 
largest girls bring in a tall, light stand, which they place 
in the centre, toward the back of the stage. The first boys 
advance immediately to the middle of the front, the girl 
with the cross comes directly behind them, and the others 
group themselves behind her, the groups extending on each 
side, the smallest children on the outsides, the tallest in the 
middle, concealing the stand. When all is in place the 
music stops.) 

Some Children (reciting in concert).— 

What does the boar's head t^ignify 
At this our Christmas feast ? 
Other Children. — 

What has this holy day to do 
With such a horrid beast? 
One of the Boys ivith the Boar's Head.—^ 
This head is meant to typify 
The savage state of man, 
The time of wild and angry strife 
Ere Christmas days began. 
Other Boy. — 

The lawless passions of the race^ 
The deeds of cruel wrong. 



SEEING SANTA CLAUS. 69 

Before the barbarous world had heard 

The Christmas angels' song. 
Oirl with the Cross. — 

It shows each nature's baser side. 

The selfishness and sin 
That lurk where love's all-holy light 

Has never entered in. 
First Boy, — 

Now, after struggles hard and long. 

The savage beast is dead : 
In token of the victory 

Behold his grisly head. - 

Other Boy. — 

And as with flowers and evergreen 

Our trophy we adorn, 
So show we foi'th the love and peace 

Proclaimed when Christ was born. 
Girl with the Cro^^^s. — 

And ever as the holy time 

Of Christmas comes again, ' 

"We keep most worthily the feast 

By loving deeds to men. 
So may His blessed kingdom come. 

Be savage passions slain. 
And glorious o'er man's baser self 

May love, the Christ-like, reign. 

{The processional mMsic begins again. The girl turnn 
^^d leads to the back of the stage, the boys following ; the 
groups of children opening in the middle to let them 
through, and closing again as soon as they pass. In doing 
this the group forms a pyramiid, the s^nallest ttvo children 
being at the point in front, and eight or ten of the largest 



M SEEING SANTA CLAUS, 

at the bach. The hoys set the salver on the stand, and 
tarn, keeping their places on each side of it ; the girl 
stands behind it. The groups then separate, like wings 
diverging from the stand, the little children, who are most 
in front, being also farthest at the right and left^ and the 
large girls next the boys with the Boar's Head. All this 
must be farther back on the stage than the arm-chair con- 
taining Charley and Annie, When all are in place the 
music changes y and they sing a carol. 

A few Voices. — 

We bring in the holly, the ivy, the pine, 
The spruce and the hemlock together we twine ; 
With evergreen branches our walls we array 
For the keeping of Christmas, our high holiday. 

Full Chorus. — 

Heartily, heartily join we to raise 

Anthems and hymns of thanksgiving and praise. 

Glory to God in the highest we sing, 

Peace and good-will are the tidings we bring. 

Few Voices. — 

We all know the legend so tender and old^ 
Yet ever again shall the story be told, 
How Jesus was born, and His earliest bed 
Was a manger for cattle in Bethlehem's shed. 

Chorus. — Heartily, heartily, etc. {as before'). 

Few Voices. — - 

All lowly, yet is He the greatest of kings ; 
All poor, yet the richest of treasures He brings ; 
All feeble, yet spared not earth's heaviest load ; 
All simple, yet sent with a message from God* 

Chorus. — Heartily, heartily, etc. 



SEEING SANTA CLAUS. 4l 

Feio Voices. — 

O holy child Jesus, like Thee may ^ve be, 
K"ot scorning the world, yet from worldliness free J 
In the midst of temptation, by sin undefiled, 
And keeping the pure, loving heart of a child. 

Chorus. — 
Heartily, heartily, join we to raise 
Anthems and hymns of thanksgiving and praise : 
Glory to God in the highest, we sing, 
Peace and good-will are the tidings we bring. 

{The girl icifh the cross leads out the procession, followed 
by the hoys icith the boars head, then the large girls with 
the stand, then the rest, tico and two, in order, from the 
largest to the smallest. Appropriate music vieamvhile^ 
^heii all are gone the stage grows dark.) 

Annie {moving uneasily'^. — Charley 1 

Charley {starting^. — Hey ? 

Annie. — Have I been asleep ? 

Charley (very sleepy).— Oh ! What? 

Annie. — I don't feel quite sure. 

Charley. — ^Yhj not? 

Annie. — It seemed to be real. 

Charley.— What did ? 

Annie, — Santa Claus, and the Fairy, and the Boar's 
Head, and all. 

Charley. — Why, did you dream that too? 

Annie. — Why, did you ? 

Charley. — It seems as if I did. 

Annie. — It must have been real; don't you think so? 

Charley. — I don't know about that ; w^e might have 
dreamt it. 

Annie. — Is it morning? 

Charley,— Nq ; don't you see it'? dark^ 



42 iSEEING SANTA CLATTB. 

Annie, — ^I haven't opened my eyes ; 1 was afraid. 

Charley, — Let's go to sleep agauL. 

Annie. — Oh! it was just beautiful ! [Char Ley yawTis 
und they soon fall asleep again to the sound of soft musie^ 
The stage gradually grows light, A milkman's ivhistle is 
heard from behind the scenes. Enter Bridget, carrying 
carefully two plates, on each of which is a frosted cike,^ 

Bridget. — The milkman's waitin', sure, but I'll not 
break me cakes for the likes of him, that I made out of 
me own head to plaze the darlin's this blessed Christ- 
mas Day. \_Sees Annie and Charley.'] Och, me sowl I 
if they haven't been slaping here awake all noight to 
see what Christmas'll be afcher bringin' 'em ! [ While 
she puts a cake in each of the two chairs by the chimney ^ 
a pounding is heard outside, and the milkman s whistle is 
repeated,'] Och ! be aisy now ! Is that the manners of 
ye, whistlin' me a merry Christmas wid yer fist ? I'm 
acomin' ! I'm a comin' ! 

(F/vit Bridget, running. Enter, from the other side, 
Romeo with a paper soldier-cap, and a young kitten in a 
basket He goes to the chairs.) 

Romeo, — Which be Mar'se Charley's stockin' now? 
Case 'twon't nebber do to put de stockin's on the wrong 
foot, nohow. What'n Miss Annie do wif a sojer-cap ? 
G'long, you ole fool nigger, you'se got fine out somehow, 
[Pokes around about the stockings.] Bress me if I kin 
fine out ! Noten but papers an' papers, an' eberyting 
tied up ! I done guv up ! [Sees the children.] Whew ! 
Clar to goodness, if dar ain't dem bressed chil'n fas' 
asleep. I'se got a notion. [Approaching them.] S'pose 
now, I jes' chuck dis yer little cat in Miss Annie's lap, 
an' stick dis yer sojer-cap on Mar'se Charley's head ! 
Ho, ho, ho I [He does as he proposes^ Hi, now ! won't 



SEEING SANTA CLAUS. 43 

deyV 'stonish'? Dey'U neber 'spec Eomeo, dey'U tink 
'twas Santa Claus ! Ho, ho, ho ! 

Father (outside). — Romeo ! I say, Romeo ! 

Romeo (hurrying to the door), — I's comin' right 'long, 
Mars'r. 

(Romeo goes out Mother, in morning-ivrapper and 
breakfast shawl, enters from the other side, and looks to- 
•mard the stockings; she sees the cakes.) 

Mother. — Something more from Santa CLaus ! What 
pains Bridget has taken to make these beautiful cakes 
lor the children, and how pleased they will be ! [^Turns 
to the arm-chair.'] Poor little dears ! Why, what in 
the world — ? Oh ! that must be a present from Romeo ; 
he's made them before out of newspapers, but this is 
something really magnificent! And — yes; a cuiming 
little kitten for Annie ; I wonder whether he heard her 
wishing for one the other day. I do think we have the 
best servants — 

Father (entering). — Are the children up yet ? 

Mother. — No ; here they are still in the arm-chair, 
sound asleep. 

Father. — I wonder why they didn't go back to bed 
after we were gone. 

Mother. — Do you know I think now that they may 
have been really asleep all the time, and not making 
believe, as I fancied. 

Father. — Then that masquerading and nonsense of 
ours was all thrown away ! 

Mother. — On them, yes, perhaps so ; but we had some 
jxin out of it ourselves. 

Father. — So we did ! You made a charming fairy. 

Mother. — And you a perfect Santa Claus. [Sings 
with gesture.'] Los e-tos Charley ! 



44 SEEING SANTA GLAUS. 

Father (the same), — Eh alta Annie! [They laugh 
The children draw deep breaths and move,'] Wake up, 
Kttie folks I 

Mother, — Merry Christmas, my darlings ! 

Annie (rubbing her eyes). — Oh 1 er-er — what ? 

Charley (yawning). — Ah-oo ! Hey ? 

Annie, — Oh ! what a dear little kitty. Did you give 
it to me, papa ? 

(Father takes Annie up,) 

Mother. — Here, put this shawl around her. [Tahes 
off her shawl and gives it to Father, as he crosses with 
Annie to the chair on the opposite side of the stage, and 
sits there with Annie on his knee, and the shawl over her. 
Meantime Charley puts his hand to his head and knocks 
off the soldier-cap^ 

Charley. — What's that ? 

(Mother picks it up and gives it to him ; pushes the arm/* 
chair so that it faces the audience, and sits on one arm 
of it. 

Father, — Santa Glaus must have been round last 
night. 

(Annie and Charley exchange significant glances^ 

Mother (fondling Charley,) — What I want to know is 
why my darlings slept here last night instead of staying 
In their own little beds? 

Charley. — Oh ! we wanted to — to — 

Annie. — To see Santa Glaus. 

Mother (winking at Father), — And did you see him? 

Charley. — I don't know— 

Annie,— Why, yes we did, Gharley, and the fairy, 
too. 

Father. — And did Santa Glaus and the fairy have 
fmy thing to say ? 



SEEING SANTA CLAUSL 45 

Annie. — Yes. 

Mother. — What was it ? 

Annie (hesitating^). — I — I — don't know. 

Father {ivinking at Mother). — Don't know! Why 
not? 

Charley. — We couldn't understand. There was music 
-—and— and— you see they don't talk like us ; I guess 
it was French. 

Mother {smiling). — Oh ! they talked French ! Well, 
what did they do ? Did they give you this ? [Points to 
cap.'] 

Charley. — No ; they only fussed round a little while, 
and then went ofT. [Father and Mother langh.'] 

Annie. — But that wasn't the best of it ! All those 
little children, you know, Charley, and the angel with 
the cross. 

Charley (doubtfully'). — Ye-s — and the boys with the 
boar's head. 

Father. — What are they talking about ? 

Mother.~Th.ej must have been dreaming ! 

Annie. — Wasn't it real, papa ? 

Father. — That's a conundrum. Boys with a boar's 
head ! 

Mother. — An angel with a cross ! I can't make it out ! 

Father. — A pretty mixed up affair, anyway, I suspect, 

{Breakfast bell rings.') 

Mother, — Dear me I There's the breakfast bell, and 
these children are not dressed ! 

Father. — -No matter, it's Christmas Day, and we're 
going to see what's in the stockings first. 

{Puts Annie down ; Charley with his soldier-cap any 
and holding the afghan around hinij gets on his feet, and 
M turn toward the stockings.) 



46 SEEING SANTA GLAUS. 

Charley.— -'H.u.Wo ! 

Annie. — Oh ! [Father and Mother go to the chain 
where the atochings hang^ 

Ci^arfe^/.— That's what they were doing. 

Annie. — Then we really-— 

Both. — Saw Santa Clans. 

(^ Charley pulls off his cap and waves it, Jumping about) 

Charley. — Hooray ! [Father claps his hands. Bridget 
looks in at one side, and Romeo at the other. Annie sets 
dow7i her kitten, snatches off her shawl, and waves it with 
both hands, jumping about as Charley does."] 

Annie. — Hooray ! hooray ! [Mother claps her hands 
too. Charley tosses down his cap, pulls off his afghan, and 
waves that.li 

Both Children. — Hooray ! hooray ! hooray ! [Bridget 
und Borneo clap their hands too, and the curtain falls.'] 

Time occupied in representation, about forty miuTites. 

COSTUMES. 

Charley and Annie.— Long, white night gowns over their undergar- 
ments. Their legs from the knee down should be bare, and their feet 
in slippers. 

Father as Santa Claus.— Long fur, or fur-trimmed coat, high boots, 
beard powdered, or false beard and wig, fur cap. As Himself.— Dark 
trousers, breakfast jacket, 

MotherasFairy.— Pink, blue, or yellow tarletan, or white lace dress 
with train, tinsel trimmings. Silver band, or diadem, with brilliants, 
from which falls a long veil. As Herself.— Pretty morning wrappei 
and knitted shawl. 

Bridget. — Neat print gown and white cap and apron. 

EoMEo —Drab trousers, gay waistcoat and necktie, white shirt sleeves 
Coat on when he looks i a at the last. 

Boys with THE B >ar's Head.— Long stockings or tights, full trunks- 
loose jackets belted in with leather belts, full puffed sleeves, broad 
lace collars or pleated ruffs, and wrist ruffles to correspond. Effective 
suits may be made of cambric of two contrasting colors, as red and 
blue, or buff and maroon, one-half of each suit of each color, like 
^me of the mediaeval and heraldic pictures. The stockings may 
flither correspond in color with the side of the suit, or a dark stociimg 



SEEING SANTA GLAUS. 47 

on the light side, and a light stocking on the dark side. Low shoes oi 

slippers should be worn. Or the two boys may wear red skirts and 

white surplices. 
Girl with the Cross. — White tulle dress, with drapery hanging froni 

the back of the shoulders ; white stockings and white slippers. Het 

hair fk)wing loose, 
tefi Other Children need no special costumes. 

PROPERTIES AND SUGGESTIONS. 

Four chairs, one of them a large arm-cuair, one of the kind called 
"** Sleepy Hollow " would be best. An afghan, or knitted carriage 
blanket. Two long stockings. Basket of bundles large and small. 
Two frosted cakes in plates ; these may be made of inverted flower-pots 
fjovered with white paper, and ornamented with white paper trimmings. 
A kitten, which may be roughly made of a piece of fur, stuffed, and a 
red ribbon tied round where the neck is supposed to be ; this, curled up 
in a basket, will do very well. A soldier-cap of gilt paper, with fringes 
and rosette of different bright-colored tissue papers. A cross made of 
lathing, the long piece about five feet in length, the cross-bar about half 
a yard ; it is to be covered with gilt paper, and trimmed with evergreeri 
or smilax, not too heavily. Wreaths of evergreen and branches Oil 
spruce and holly. The boar's head on a salver. To make this, take a, 
sheet of thin, brown mottled press-board, cut it just square, and roll it 
into a cone, leaving a long opening toward the smaller end. Fasten the 
ends brought together. Cut three short slits at the corner that forms the 
small end, and turn back the corner. This will form the snout. Then 
on the larger end, about half way between the point and the fastening, 
cut slits on each side, and others nearer the point. Curve d )wn and la]i 
these slits, fasten them, and add an under jaw, and the foundation of 
the head will be made. Put on cotton batting, and strips of cambric, as 
needed, and sew them down till the form is correct, then cover all with 
drab or brown cambric, fitted exactly on the outside, no matter how 
many over-seams there have to be in it to accomplish this. The nose is 
made of a piece of the press-board cut round, a layer or so of batting, and 
a coveringof the drab cambric ; it is sewed to the covering of the head by 
over-seaming on the edge. Little seams taken up where the eyes should 
be will help to fit the covering, and look like closed eyelids. Paint th€ 
coveringtomake it represent the skin of the animal as nearly as possi- 
ble. Take curled horse-hair and attach it about the neck and cheeks, 
nottoo thickly, and on the top of the head make the ears also of this. 
Make the tusks of light brownish cambric stuffed to the proper shape, 
and the tongue of pinkish cloth, not too bright. Sew red cambric on 
the back to close up the neck, and fasten a bunch of holly there to par- 
tially conceal it. Fasten the head by the chin and back of the throat tc 
an evergreen wreath. Set this on a salver, or small tray, and then deco 
rate all with flowers. 

Asuflaciently good picture to s^rv^ as guide may be obtained by send 



i8 



CAROL— OLD ENGLISH. 



fng a stamp for return postage, and addressing the proprietor of <fcK 
Boar's Head Hotel, Hampton Beach, N. H. 

The words sung by Santa Glaus and the fairy are mere nonsense-words^ 
andanyothersmay be substituted, provided they are easy to sing, and 
do not have any meaning to the children. 

The music of the carol is adapted from an old song, the words ar« 
modern. Any other carol may be used instead of this. Before anci 
luring the entrance of the procession, the music of *' Adeste fideles,'' 
Jailed in some collections '* The Portuguese Hymn,'* is suggested as appro- 
priate ; and for their going out, that of Sir Arthur Sullivan, which is set 
to the words of "Onward, Christian Soldiers," in several Sunday-School 
collections. While forming the ** wings," before singing the carol, the 
music of '* The Christmas Tree," by Niels W. Gade (in a series of short 
pieces called " The Children's Christmas Eve "), would be suitalile, and 
" Good-Night,'* from the same series, played softly, would be appropriate 
for both timeSj during which the two children fall asleep in the arm- 
chair; or the *• Nocturn " in Mendelsshon's " Midsummer Night's 
Dreaux '* might be used for one. 

Mrs. L. A. Bradbury. 



CAROL. 



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66 THE OLB AND NEW YEAR. 

THE OLD AND NEW YEAR. 

DIALOGUE FOK SIX CHARACTERS. 



CHARACTERS. 

James.— In character of Old Year— white flowing beard, leaning cm 

staff. 
Harry.— Small boy in character of New Year, in bright fancy costume, 

carrying an anchor. 
Paul.— A young lad in eager expectation of the New Year, enters to hurry 

off the Old Year. 
Maud —Enters urging Old Year to bear away the remembrance of broken 

resolutions and past follies. 
Alfred.— Dressed as an old man, begging to go with Old Year, as he 

has taken away so many of his kindred. 
Ella.— Dressed in mourning, addresses Old Year, clings to him, refuses 

to let him go without her, as he has taken away her mother. 



S' 



Taul, — 

10, good Old Year, we part to-day, 
I've come to speed you on your way ; 
Though you have been so good and true 
I'm glad to say good-bye to you. 
Your steps at first were blithe and gay, 
But now you've grown so old and gray. 
So very feeble you appear. 
Your work is done. Good-bye, Old Year 1 

Maud.— 

Old Year, I've come to beg of you 
To carry far from human view 
The many plans I had in mind, 
The firm resolves of many kinds 
With which I hailed you when you camej 
They never lived except in name. 
And now. Old Year, I've told you why 
I've come to you to say good-bye. 



1?HE OLD AND NEW YEAR. 57 

Alfred,— 

Take me, I pray you, dear Old Year, 
Before the glad New Year appear ; 
I ve no joy-tones to greet liim now, 
For age and sorrov/ weight my brow. 
My earthly treasures, one by one, 
You took, and left me here alone. 
Like you, Old Year, my time is sped, 
I would be numbered with the dead. 

Ella.— 

Old Year, I cannot let you go, 

Though you have brought me so much woe| 

My dearest mother you have taken, 

And lonely, sad, forlorn, forsaken, 

The glad New Year I cannot greet 

With gladsome smile. 1 would retreat 

With you, Old Year, nor longer stay ; 

So bear me with you on your way. 

{James, as Old Year, turns to Paul.) 
Glad youth, ray boy, is ready quite 

To hurry off the gray old years, 
And in his bouyant strength and might 

He nothing dreads and nothing fears. 
But ere we part, let me now say. 
Live well and nobly, day by day ; 
Then, as you see each year depart. 
You still will keep your joyous heart. 

(James addresses Alfred,) 

Wait but a little longer, friend. 
And patient bear your human lot i 



58 THE OLD AND NEW YEAR, 

Your path is almost at its end. 
Its loneliness will be forgot 
In the glad meeting that's in store 
Of friends who've journeyed on before | 
Your vanished youth God will restore 
When years are counted up no more, 

{James addresses Maud?) 

So you would shuffle off with me 

The record of each broken vow ; 
I bear them to eternity, 

You cannot clmnge them ever now. 
Learn well a lesson from me here, 
Ne'er let each old, departing year 
Bear far away the deed of word ; 
Let action speak that can be heard, 

(James addresses Ella.') 

Thouo^h I reluctant brouo^ht to thee 

The sharpest pain in Nature's plan, 
The hopeful year with sympathy 

Will gently soothe you all he can ; 
The Old Year takes, the New Year gives^ 
The woes and joys in mortal lives ; 
'Tis ordered thus by Wisdom's hand, 
Who earth and heaven doth command. 

( Old Year steps back and crouches down, while New 
Tear steps forward and is greeted first by Paul.) 

Ha! ha! New Year, I'm glad you've come, 

I hope you've brought to me 
The gift of health, the gift of wealth. 
And rare old jollity. 



THE OLD AND NEW YEAR. 59 

Maud, — 

And, kind New Year, to me youVe brought 

What I most need of you, 
The strength of mind, the strength of heart 

For all my purpose true. 

Alfred.-— 

And I, fair Year, would only ask 

A little patience still 
To calmly wait the approaching hour 

Appointed by God's will. 

Ella.— 

And I, dear Year, would plead with you 

To let me take a part 
In ministering sympathy 
To the sorrowing in heart. 

{Harry, as Neiv Year, addresses all.') 
The mystery of joy and pain 

We cannot solve by sight ; 
But each must take his meted lot 

And know 'tis measured right ; 
For when God comes to gather in 

The harvest of all years, 
We'll plainly see why some had joys, 

And others many tears. 

MkS, E. J. GoODFELLOm 



^ IN SANTA-CLAUS-LAND. 

IN SANTA-CLAUS-LAND. 

A DRAMA IN ONE ACT. 



CHARACTERS. 

Santa Claus. 

Trent— Steward and general overseer to Sanra Clauai 

Mrs. Trent. 

Doctor Snufntiff— A peripatetic physician. 

Clip— A boy. Servant to SnufnuC 

Ona— A fairy. 

COSTUMES. 

<Santa Claus.— Flowing white wig and beard, dressing-gown and a«^T>» 

pers. On entrance in Scene III, a large fur-trimmed cloak, fur cap, 

Arctic overshoes, and red leggings. 
Trent.— Short, red, pleated blouse, belted at the waist (one can be 

cheaply made of cambric), trimmed with large buttons ; knee trousers 

of gray cloth , gray hose, and low shoes ; cap of black velvet with long 

gray or white plume. 
Mrs. Trent. — Any tasteful home costume. 
Doctor Snufnxiff.— Black coat, vest, and knee trousers, white hose, low 

shoes. Cap of black velvet without visor ; hair and beard long, waving, 

and iron-gray. Carries a physician's medicine case. 
Clip.— Plain, dark suit. 
Ona. — Short dress of pink or white tarlatan. Pasteboard wings covered 

with gilt paper. Long white wand . 

Scene. — Interior of Trent's house until Scene III, 
when it changes to the interior of Santa Claus's 
house. An ordinary sitting-room or parlor will doy 
but when the scene shifts to Santa Claus's house 
some changes should be made in the furniture, etc.j 
and. if possible, touches given suggestive of its 
owner. 

Scene L 

Curtain rising reveals Mrs. Trent rocking a cradle with 

her foot, and engaged with any light needle work. 



IN SANTA-CLAUS-LAND. 61 

Mrs, Trent (singing, no instrumental accompanirnenf).'-^ 

Sleep, baby, sleep, 
Gone the sun to other skies. 
Thou must close thy tired eyes. 

Sleep, baby, sleep 1 
O'er the land of Santa Claus 
Night h-^r sable curtain draws. 

Sleep, baby, sleep ! 
But, whate'er the skies may be. 
Baby rests from danger free, 

Sleep, bab}^, sleep ! 
Now the w^axen eyelids close, 
Held at last in sweet repose, 
Lies the tender, helpless form, 
Sheltered safe from harm or storm, 

Yes, the baby sleeps. 

Tnls '* cradle song " may be sung to the familiar tune tnown usually 
as " Put Me in My Little Bed." Omit the first " Sleep, baby, sleep," il 
preferred, and sing the others softly in four descending notes. 

[Rises and comes forward^ I cannot imagine what 
keeps Trent so late. But, then, this is a busy time oi 
year. The dear children little know what Christmas 
means to us. It means hard work for every dweller in 
Santa-Claus-land. Ah I I hear voices and footstepSo 
Perhaps my husband brings a guest. That is his great- 
9st fault— he will bring home visitors without giving me 
warning. Yes, here they come. [Enter Trent and Doc- 
tor Snnfnnff. Trent introduces the Doctor to his wife. 
Both acknoivledge introduction in usual manner. ~\ 

Doctor Snujnuff. — I am, as you are doubtless aware, 
Mrs. Trent, a stranger in Santa-Claus-land, and am 
overcome with delight and amazement at the many 
wouderful things shown me by your courteous husband 



62 IN SANTA-CLAUS-LAND. 

IV^nt.—But, Minnie, we are famishing. Is tea nearlj 
ready ? 

Mrs. Trent — With your permission I will be excused 
and attend to it. \_Exlt Mrs. Trent.'] 

Trent (following on tip-toe). — I must see that the dooi 
is closed. [^Eet^irnijig.] Yes, all is safe. We want no 
eavesdropping. Now, this is what I want of you, Doc- 
tor. Old Santa, as you well know, has had the full 
control of this Christmas business for many hundred 
years without giving a moment's place to any one else. 
I have been with him long, and have learned all his 
tricks and charms. The words to be said when he drops 
his gifts into his magic box, causing them to dwindle 
away in size, the words that reduce him to a pigmy sa 
tiny that he can enter the narrowest chimney, the 
charm by which his reindeer can travel whole leagues 
in a minute, and also the magic words by which he 
passes unharmed over the network of wires in large 
cities, are all familiar to me. Moreover, I have super- 
vised in one way or another the making of all the gifts, 
and now, why shouldn't I distribute them this year 
instead of old Santa himself? 

Doctor Snufnuff.— Why not, indeed ? I should think 
the old fellow would be glad to rest. 

Trent— Not he. He loves not only the work but its 
honors as well. Once I barely hinted the matter to 
him, and he flew Into a terrible rage and wouldn't speak 
to me for a week. So, you see (goes close to the Doctor 
and, laying his hand upon his arm, speaks low\ what 1 
cannot accomplish by fair means I must by foul. 

Doctor Snufnuff (starting from him).— Yon don't 
mean to kill the old fellow ? 

Trent (shocked),— Kill him ? No, indeed ; I wouldn't 



IN SANTA-CLAUS-LAND. 63 

ff I could, and I couldn't if I would ; he is immortal. 
Neither edge of steel nor force of ball can harm him. 
I simplj mean to use a little stratagem, aud want youi 
connivance. 

Doctor Snufnnff (ivalkiiig atvay and shaking his head 
vigorously). — No, sir ; no, sir. I put the whole thing 
from me. Do you suppose I would stoop to deed so 
dark while I am a guest of the jolly old Saint ? Sir, 
you mistake me. 

Trent (going up to him again). — Come, come ; we don't 
want any tragedy. I am not going to harm old Santa. 
Let me explain. You have your medicines there. 
[Poiiiting to medicine case.'] 

Doctor Snvfmif. — Yes. 

Trent, — And, of course, you possess some pills, pow* 
ders, or potions that will produce a heavy sleep ? 

Doctor Snufnuff, — Ah ! I see your plan. While the 
Saint sleeps you will steal his vocation ? But even this 
I am averse to engaging in. Suppose we are dis- 
covered ? 

Trent. — That is impossible, since we are both anxious 
for secrecy. But, come, what is your price ? We have 
no money in Santa-Claus-land, but we have silver, 
gold, diamonds. 

Doctor Snufnuff {walking away indignanily). — Young 
man, I am not to be bought — I will not become a part- 
ner in your treachery. 

Trent. — Oh ! well, then I must give up visiting the 
world again until my term is out. 

Doctor Snufnuff. — Your term? 

Trent — Yes. You must know that every one who 
/jomes to Santa-Claus-land, whether from choice, as I 
did, or by accident, as you did, is really a prisoner — 



84 IN SANTA-CLAUS-LAI^B. 

Doctor Snufnuff (starting). — Ah ! 

Trent, — And cannot escape until a certain fairy hag 
given him leave — 

Doctor Snufnuff {eagerly), — Her name ? 

Trent. — To go. When I came, however, I agreed tc 
stay a certain number of years, therefore even the fairy 
cannot release me, and, as I felt a little homesick, I 
thought I would like to see the gay world once more, 
but since vou decline to help me — 

Doctor Snufnuff. — But the name of this fairy you 
neglected to mention. Come, I have money [taking out 
a full purse and opening if]. How much do you want 
to tell me who and where she is ? 

Trent (imitating the Doctor^s former manner), — OM 
man, I am not to be bought. 

Doctor Snafmff (aside). — I am a first-class idiot. I 
lost a chance to win a potful of gold. [To Trent:'] 
That was all rhodomontade. Let us understand each 
other. YoQ want an opiate, I want to escape from this 
place, for, like all human beings, the spot where I 
am forced to stay immediately becomes intolerable to 
me. 

(Enter Mrs. Trent.) 

Mrs. Trent, — Gentlemen, your tea is served. 

(Exeunt, Mrs. Trent leading y Doctor Snufnuff and 
Trent following arm-in-arm and ivhispering together.) 

[Curtain.] 

Scene II. — The Same. 

(Before the curtain rises the loud cries of a hahy are 
heard. Curtain rising, shows Mrs. Trent taking baby 
from the cradle. A large doll dressed like an infant it 
used.) 



E» BANTA-CLAUS-LAND. 69 

Mrs. Trent (in c low, coaxing tone), — Poor little sing, 
All he sink his iPimma had dawn and left him ? \_Sits 
in rocker and r^A^js, gently patting and soothing the baby 
while talking to it.'] Well, she hadn't, so she hadn't, 
bet mamma ^V'^*.;;^ so busy and papa's dawn off wiz the 
naughty oid ^Ooctor wiz a funny name, and dess left- 
baby all lorn^, lonie. There, there, baby sant be 'bused 
any moio, Vi he sant. [^Stngs *' Bye^ baby, bye/'' over 
and over^ 

(fjUer Clip, stealthily, looking cautiously about) 

Mrs. Trent. — Well, my little man, who may you be? 
You seem to be looking for some one. 

Clip. — O ma'am ! I'm only Clip, Doctor Snufnuff's 
errand-boy. 

Mrs. Trent. — So that is who you are. But what is 
the matter? Didn't Jane give you supper enough? 

Clip (excitedly staring and looking about). — Oh ! yes, 
ma'am ; yes, ma'am. But is there any one here ? 

Mrs. Trent. — Why, no, you funny boy — nobody but 
the baby and myself. Of what are you afraid ? 

Clip. — O ma'am ! something awful's going to happen. 
You. won't tell on me, will you? 

Mrs. rre??i.^Something awful? What do you meant 

Clip, — But you won't tell ? 

Mrs. Trent. — No, no ; there baby, hush dear. \Sings 
ioftly " Bye, baby, hye/^ during all of Clip's part.^ 

Clip --0 ma'am ! my master — -you know him ? 

Ill's. Trent. — Yes, of course, our guest^ Doctor Snuf 

Clip. — And — -and — and your husband, ma'am— 
Mrs. Trent (leaning forward eagerly).— I§i anything 
the matter with my husband ? 

Clip, — No, ma'am, I guess not, but he and mj 
6 



6fi IN SANTA-CLAUS-LAND. 

mas^> .re going to do something to harm Santa Claus. 
and I ^ >ought maybe you could stop it if you knew 
about ik. I like old Santa Glaus better than ever, now 
that I have seen him. What would we boys do without 
him ? I don't know just what they are going to do, 
'cause I couldn't hear it all. O ma'am ! [^falling on his 
knees] dcn't let dear, dear old Santa Glaus be hurt. If 
he should die what would become of the world ? 

Mrs, Trent. — IS" ever fear, Glip. He cannot die, no 
matter wl at they may do to him. But I will learn 
what thei ' plot is, if I can, and perhaps I can prevent 
its succe&^. 

Clip. — Oh ! thank you, ma'am. Now I must go be^ 
fore my master misses me. [^Exit CUp^ running^ 

Mrs. T'}ent. — I am glad the baby is asleep again. 
\_Rises and lays it in the cradle, softly singing ^* Bye bahy^ 
bye " as she lays it down, then walks away from the cradle 
and claps h^r hands three times softly.'] 
(Enter Oiia.) 

Ona (bowing loiv), — Sweet lady, what is your will? 

Mrs. Trent. — O dear Ona ! do you know there is 
harm threatening Santa Glaus ? Gan you not prevent 
it? 

( Ona shades her eyes with her hand and holes away^ 
Mrs. Trent returns to the cradle and rocks it gently while 
watching Ona; both continue thus for a minute.) 

Ona (loivering her hand and turning toward 3frs>, 
Trent). — Yes ; it's a well-laid scheme, but you, Mrs^ 
Trent, shall foil it. 

Mrs. Trent (leaving the cradle and coming forward^r^ 
I, Ona? AVhat can I do? 

Ona. — Everything. First you mi;«t go ovrr to Santa's 
Wuse, where your husband now is. 



W SANTA-CLAUS-LAND. 67 

Mrs, Trent. — I cannot leave the baby. 

Ona, — I will attend to the baby. And now hasten. 
I will see that you have a reason for calling your hus- 
band out of the house. The rest must depend on youi 
woman's wit, for you must change the pipes. 

3Irs. Trent— Change the pipes ? 

Ona,—Yes. Ask no questions, but obey me, and 
remember this is your mission — to change the pipes. 
l^Exit Mrs. Trent^ Trent has grown discontented lately 
and something must be done to show him his folly and 
wickedness. How strange he cannot see that there are 
worse places to live in than Santa-Claus-land. Since 
'^blessings brighten as they take their flight," I will 
deprive him of his wife and baby for a few months. 
f Waves her wand slowly over the cradle.'} 

(Si7igs,) 

Come, O fairest of fairies ! 
Bear on your pinions bright 
This burden so precious and lights 

Softly bear, touch with care. 

(^Ourtain falls here, but singing continues^ 

Blow, O softest breezes, 

Let no touch of pain. 
Aught that e'er displeases. 

Reach this baby brain. 

Let him sleep, fairies keep 

All his dreaming free from staill6 

Softly bear, fairies, where 
Tender love and joy remain. 



68 IN SANTA-CLAUS-LAND. 

( This song of Ona's in calling to the fairies should bt 
given in a slow, tender chant If possible, let it be in a 
minor key, which will add to the effect greatly ^ although^ q/ 
eourse, any other key will answer,^ 

Scene III. 

Room in Santa Clauses house. Curtain rising shows 
Santa Claus seated in an easy chair, a small stand at 
his right-hand. A chair and small stand several feet 
at the right and somewhat behind Santa are reserved 
for Trent, who is now standing in front of Santa on 
the right. Doctor SnufnufF also stands before Santa 
on the left. 

Santa Claus. — ^Now tliat everything is ready, Trent, 
ihe sleigh packed and the reindeer hitched, I believe 
we will take our " good-luck '' smoke. Fill a pipe for 
all of us. We will have the good Doctor join us. 

Trent. — Your pipe is filled and lies there beside you, 
good Santa. Mine is also ready, but our learned friend, 
the Doctor, does not smoke. 

Santa Claus. — -Not smoke! Why, how does that 
happen? [_Takes up his pipe and presses the contents 
with his fingers. Dried mullen-leaves or other weeds 
should be used.~] 

Doctor Snufnuff, — Science teaches me, good Santa, 
that nicotine is poisonous. 

Santa Claus {laying down the pipe). — Nicotine? 
What has that to do with our tobacco, Trent ? 

Trent {shaking his fist aside at the Doctor), — Oh ! it's 
some new-fangled thing they claim exists in tobacco. 
But you and I have never seen it in our pipes, have we ? 

Santa Claus, — No ; not a bit of it. Well, I cannot 



IN SANTA-CL AXIS-LAND. by 

keep track of all the modern inventions. If I live 
another fourteen hundred years I believe I shall begin 
to think I am an old man. [_E)iter ATrs. Trent, a light 
shaivl thrown about her head and shoulders. She breathes 
€LS if exhausted from running.'] AVhy, Mrs. Trent, what 
is the matter ? 

3Irs, Trent (throwing off the shawl), — Good-evening, 
gentlemen. I thought I should find you here. \_To 
Trenf] One of the reindeer is loose. I met some men 
hunting for you. ^Aside ] I may thank Ona for that 
accident. \_Trent catches up his cap and runs out.] 

Santa Claus. — What a bother. Just as he was going 
to light my jDipe, too. 

i\Irs. Trent (going up to the stand and iaJcing tJiepipe\ 
— I can light your pipe. 

Doctor. Snufnuff. — I thought, good Santa, that your 
deer were very tam.e. 

Santa Claus (chuckling). — Tame enough when you 
know the charm, and wild enough when you don't. 
There are three magic words that quiet them instantly. 

Doctor Snufnuff. — Wonderful ! They are hard to 
pronounce, I suppose ? 

Santa Claus. — Oh ! no, very simple, [^l-^/rf^.] Does 
he think he can fool old Santa that way, and learn the 
charm ? Not yet. 

(During these parts, after Mrs. Trent says she can light 
the pipe, she goes toward the other stand, where are some 
matches. Her back must be toward the othei^. While 
taking a match and lighting it with one hand she adroitly 
changes the pipes with the other, then turns about and 
Gonies toward Santa Claus, holding the lighted m,atch close 
over the bowl of the pipe. She comes nea^ him just as hs 
piishes his ''aside."') 



TO W SANTA-CLAUS-LAND. 

Why, bless your beautiful eyes, Mrs. Trent, you cao 
never light a pipe in that way. You must take the 
stem in your mouth and draw on it. 

Mrs, Trent — How stupid I am ! But I hear my hus- 
band's step. \^Lays down the pipe ] I will leave the 
task to him. 

(Enter Trent) 

\^Aside.'] I know not what I have done. I can only 
trust in Ona. [To Trent :'\ Is all well again, my hus- 
band ? 

Trent — Yes, thanks to your prompt summons, no harm 
was done. 

Mrs, Trent. — Then, good Santa and Doctor SnufnuffJ 
good-night. \_Exit Mrs. Trent.'] 

Trent (aside). — She might as well have said good« 
night to me also. 

Santa Clans. — So, now, if everything is all ready again, 
Trent, we will have our smoke. It is time I was on my 
way. 

Trent.— Yes, all is ready, and as soon as your pipe is 
empty you can be off. [J..s?'6/e.] Off to slumber. 
[Hands him a match^ Will you light your pipe your- 
self, or shall I ? 

Santa Claus. — No, I'll do it myself this time. [Lights 
his pipe and leans back in his chair, smoking rapidly. 
Trent sits down and does the same. Doctor Snufnuff 
walks up and down the floor carefully watchiiig Santa 
Clans, hilt not looking at all at Trent.'] 

Doctor Sniifnuff (speaking slowly). — As you were say- 
ing a few moments ago, good Santa Claus, I should 
think you would begin to feel old. And yet, as it is 
impossible for you to suffer as ordinary beings do, of 
course the infirmities of age can have no power ovef 



IN SANTA-CLAUS-LAND. 71 

you. [^Aside,] 1 do believe the old fellow is proof 
against medicine, too. \_To Santa Clans ;] Were all the 
world like you, how soon my calling would cease. 
\^ Aside.'] Yes, indeed, that powder might as v/ell have 
been given to a stump. [ To Santa Claus ;] And for us 
who thrive on others' weaknesses a person like yourself 
is most unprofitable. \ Aside.'] Think of it ! All that 
drug inhaled and not the slightest shadow of effect. 
O my professional soul! How it is grieved over so 
sad a waste of good medicine. A dose like that and no 
results ! [ Groans.] 

Santa Claus. — There, my pipe is smoked out, and I 
must away. . [^Rises aiid turns toward Trent. The Doc- 
tor also turns that way at the same time, Trent is leaning 
hack in his easy chair sound asleep.] 

Doctor Snufnuff (^excitedly). — What mad mistake is 
this? 

Santa Clans (laughing). — Poor Trent, he has gone to 
sleep and dropped his pipe. Well, I dare say I have 
worked the poor fellow pretty hard lately. But now he 
^,an rest. [Exit Santa Clans.] 

Doctor Snufnuff {going close to T'^ent and scanning him 
dosely). — Yes, it is the opiate. That careless wife must 
have changed the pipes. Well, it will have passed 
away by morning, and meanwhile, as I have learned the 
fairy's name, I will — 

(Enter Ona.) 
Ona (sternhf). — So here thou art, thou worker of ilL 
What shall be done to thee? 

Doctor Snufnuff (falling on his knees). — Spare me, 
good Fairy, spare me. 

Ona (to Trent). — Awake now from this spell and re- 
ceive thy punishment. \_Slowly waves her wand over 



72 11^ SANTA-CLAUS-LAND. 

Trent, who awakens very gradually. His going to sleep 
dhould be quicker, although at first he should make a 
slight effort to shake off the drowsy feeling. The Jailing 
udeep and awakening can be made a very effective part ij 
well carried out. Not until he is fully awake does Ona 
wntinue her address to him.^ Upon thyself, traitor, has 
the ill descended which thou didst mean for Santa's 
head. 

Trent {falling on his knees beside the Doctor), — Sweet 
Fairy, O pardon, pardon. 

Ona. — Nay ; there is pardon for neither. 
(Enter Santa Glaus.) 

Santa Claus. — What is all this? 

Ona. — Good Santa, here kneel two schemers. To- 
gether they plotted against thee. A powerful drug was 
put into thy pipe, but the pipes were adroitly changed 
and the spell fell upon the chief plotter. I have but 
just awakened him, that the two schemers may receive 
their doom together. Thou [turning to the Doctor'] art 
gelfish and grasping, therefore for one year thou art 
deprived of books, instruments, pills, powders, and 
potions, and all thy skill and knowledge. [^The Doctor 
buries his face in his hands and moans.] Thou [filming 
to Trent] art discontented and complaining, therefore 
for one year thy wife and child are removed from thea 
\_Trent drops his chin upon his breast] 

Santa Clans. — Stay thy hand, sweet Ona. Behold 
these trembling culprits. Temper thy scorn and indig* 
nation with pity. Forgive them and let them go. 

Ona.—'^o, dear Santa Claus, these are lessons which 
they both must learn. 

Irent. — Give me back my wife and child, and no 
murmur shall ever again pass my lips. 



IN SANTA-CLAUS-LAND. 7o 

Doctor Saufnuff, — Restore my gifts and treasures^ and 
I will devote my life to my fellow creatures. 

Santa Claus, — Come, come, sweet On a. Hast thou 
forgotten it is the glad Christmastide, the time for for- 
giveness aud love ? Reverse thy sentence that I may 
depart on my mission of peace and joy, leaving peace 
and joy behind me. 

Ona. — Since it is thy wish, so be it. Rise. [^Touches 
each with her wand. These lines, which may he sung to 
any two-five hymn time, are now softly sung behind the 
scenes,'] 

Let sweet forgiveness hold her happy sway, 

For coming now is Christmas Day, glad Christmas Day-, 

From those we've wronged we'll sweet forgiveness ask, 

And freely give it, too. O happy task ! 

No clouds of anger shall deface our joy, 

Let love her wondrous power to-day employ ; 

Yes, everywhere let sweet forgiveness reign, 

Nor make the Christ-chiid's coming all in vain. 

Yes, let forgiveness hold her happy sway, 

For commg now is Christmas Day, glad Christmas Day. 

{During the singing of these verses Ona waves her 
wand toward the right of the stage, when enter Mrs, Trent 
carrying the babe, Ona then waves her wand toward the 
left; enter Clip. The characters then arrange themselve% 
»bout Santa Claus in the following manner : 
Santa Claus, 
Trent, Doctor Snufnufb 

Mrs. Trent, Clip, 

Ona. 

[Tableau.] 
[Curtain.] 

Mrs. Clara J. Denton, 



74 THE HOLIDAY CONVENTION. 

THE HOLIDAY CONVENTION. 



CHARACTERS. 

Pour girls to personify : 1, Easter ; 2, Independence Day ; 3, Thank* 

GIVING, and 4, Christmas. 

COSTUMES. 
Easter should be dressed in white and decorated with white flowers io 

profusion. She should carry in her hand a bouquet or baske.t of flowers. 
Independence Day should be dressed as the Goddess of Liberty. Carry 

a small flag. 
Thanksgiving Day should wear the garb of a Puritan maiden— a plain 

dress of gray or dove color, plain white apron, white book-muslin cap, 

and white kerchief plainly arranged and pinned over the breast. She 

may carry a basket of autumn fruits or a small sheaf of grain. 
Christmas should wear a white dress, trimmed with holly or other green 

and a wreath of the holly or other green, bhe should carry a greei? 

bough gayly decorated, to represent a Christmas-tree. 



AIL- 



FROM the four quarters of the year. 
We holidays have gathered here. 
In holiday convention. 
Bright Easter-tide with blossoms rare, 
Thanksgiving Day, with generous fare, 
July the Fourth, to patriots dear, 
And Christmas Day, so full of cheer, 
Our titles thus we mention. 
(^Each bows at the mention of her name.") 

Four representatives are we, 
And each shall tell the story 

Of her own being — why, each year 
She claims her day of glory. 

First, Easter-tide of spring-time birth. 
Then summer's Fourth so gay, 

Next, glad Thanksgiving — autumn's crown- 
Then winter's Christmas Day. 



THE HOLIDAY CONVENTION. 15 

Easter. — 

With pale, pure flowers 

From spring-time's bowers, 
With swelling bud and sprouting lea^ 

I promise give 

That man shall live 
Beyond this life of toil and grief. 

On Easter Day- 
Death conquered lay, 

And Christ, arisen from the dead. 
Showed God's great plan 
To doubting man, 

Through death men should to life be 1^ 

independence Day. — 

The birthday of freedom, 

The glorious Fourth, 
Claims, throughout the whole land. 

East, West, South, and North, 
The patriot's tribute 

Of honor and praise ; 
Yes, we'll celebrate ever 

This day of all days. 
The bold stand for right, 

And for a free land. 
Which our forefathers made. 

Was something so grand 
That all the world wondered 

And when victory came 
To crown their endeavors, 

All the world praised their nama 



n THE HOLIDAY CONVENTION 

Oh ! we never can weary 

Of shouting forth why 
We revere this proud day. 

The Fourth of July. 

Than hsg ivmg, — 

When harvest fields have yielded 

Their grass and fruit and grain, 
And all are safely gathered 

And stored from wind and rain, 
When all the stock is snugly housed 

From winter winds severe, 
Then it is meet to render thanks 

For the blessings of the year. 

Our Puritan forefathers 

Set this good day apart ; 
And may our grateful praises flow 

As freely from our heart 
As ever theirs in olden time, 

For we must all allow, 
Howe'er much cause they had for thankl, 

We surely have more now. 

So, celebrate Thanksgiving 

With feast and social glee. 
And render praise to God who gavt 

All gifts with largess free. 

Christmas.^' 

I celebrate 

Event so great, 
That all the world I hold. 



THE HOLIDAY CONVENTIOIT. IS 

Ring, Christmas bells, 

Whose chiming tells 
The wondrous story old. 

A Saviour's birth, 

To all the earth, 
Brought hope, man's woe to lift. 

This gift of love, 

From God above, 
Was His great Christmas gift. 

Glory on high I 

The angels cry. 
Peace and good-will to men. 

Let every tongue 

Take up the song. 
And sound it forth again. 

We each, in this convention. 
Have had to say our part ; 
And may each day we represent, 

Be dear to every heart. 
Our convention now is ended. 

We have no more to say, 
But, to our quarter of the year. 
We each will take our waj^ 
(^Any graceful grouping of the four characiers in a tab* 
leau, and a red light thrown upon the scene ^ will make a 
heavdfiU ending,} 

fl C. & L. J. R00& 



78 THE FESTIVAL OF THE YEAB. 

THE FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR. 



This piece may be made as simple as is wished by the omission of Ud^ 
leaux and songs. 

When used for any but a New Year's festival, the first two poems maj 
be omitted. 

The months of each season should follow each other in quick sueces* 
sion, so that the stage may not be empty. At the close of each season 
should be a tableau of the months of that season and their attendants, 
presenting offerings to Time and the Old Year. 

Beginning with January, the arrangment would be thus : January, 
February (Tableau) ; March, April, May (Tableau) ; June, July, 
August (Tableau) ; September, October, November (Tableau) ; Decem^ 
ber (Tableau of all the months and their attendants grouped about 
Time and the Old Year). 

When an elaborate entertainment is desired the costumes may be 
made very beautiful. 

liCt the winter months, December, January, and February, dress in 
dark garments covered with tufts of cotton to represent snow. 

Each month of the year should have a little child as attendant, to 
bear offerings. December's attendant should be dressed as a tiny Santg 
Claus. 

January's attendant may carry bands of cotton wool to represent 
snow, and a pile of snow balls made of cotton. He should also carry 
skates and snowshoes, and drag a sled after him. 

February's attendant may be dressed as a little Cupid, with wings and 
bow and arrow, and he should be hung all over with valentines made 
from fancy papers. 

The spring months should wear pale green garments, if possible, and 
April and May should be decorated with small flowers. 

The attendants of March and April may carry hoops, kites, tops, mar- 
bles, and all games used in the season. o 

May's attendant should be laden down with boughs of green and 
flowers. 

The summer months and attendants should all wear white, and theit 
garments should be covered with flowers. 

June's attendant should have an arm full of roses, and July's and 
August's should have flowers in season. 

Grains also make beautiful decorations and offerings. 

The autumn months should be dressed in warm colors. 

October's costume should be covered with red and yellow leaves cut 
from canton flannel and sewed on, and a strip of black tarlatan or lace, 
decorated in the same way, makes a beautiful offering in the tableaux 

The attendants of the autumn months should carry all kinds of fruits 
and vegetables. Corn is especially beautiful. October's attendant may 
fee dressed in yellow, and carry a pumpkin as big as be can lift. 



TTTE FESTIVAL OF THE ^SEAR. 79 

Ifovember may wear gray, and the attendant be dressed as a.^ttle Tack 
Frost. In these days ot paper flowers, beautiful decorations may be 
made at all seasons, and garlands for th« summer months to offer Time 
and the Old Year in the tableaux. 

These suggestions may be altered and improved upon at will, as they 
are but hints. 

Let Time appear seated, wnen the curtain rises, on a seat considerably 
higher than the rest of the stage, and during the entertainment let the 
Old Year sit by his side. Both should be dressed a& old men, Time bear^ 
ing the hour-glass and scythe. 



Father Time,-^ 

MAN'S life is fleet, his years are few. 
And strange the power that binds and leads, 
But through life's sunshine and its dew, 

Through blooming rose and noxious weed. 
Through valley dark, o'er barren plaia 
The Mount of God all may attain. 

Each year that passes is a stone 

Set on the journey men must go. 
Come, let us see the way you've gone, 

What joys and lights one year can show ; 
What wealth is yours to bear away, 
What memories sweet and bright and gay. 

Come, Old Year, wave your wand again. 

And summon from your fading days 
The beauties that you gave, e'er vain 

Shall be your power their smiles to raise; 
I pause not ; swift the passing hour — 
Your death approaches ; show your power. 

CThe Old Year enters slowly, and while speaki^ig seaU 
kiynself beside Father Time,) 



80 THE FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR, 

The Old Year,— 
One year of time ! a little span indeed, 

But many beauties have I given earth ; 
And now my step is slow, you love me not 
But wait with joy, with ecstacy and mirth. 
The New Year born to-night. 

^Tis ever so, the old makes room for new ! 

But e'er I go, lest you forget my name, 
I show you all the beauties that were mine, 

1 gave with joy, to rich and poor the same. 
My bounty aud delight. 

Far down the past I now must turn away, 
But you shall bless me for the joy I gave; 

Your lives are richer by a year of time, 
I shall not lie forgotten in my grave, 
Though I must die to-night. 

Come, past, yield up some hint of what was mine ! 
Show blooming flowers, and wealth of tree and vine! 

(J.S the Old Year waves his wand slowly, January and 
&.ttendant enter.') 
January. — 

I am the year's first, merry child. 

My coming heralds in his reign — 
The joy-bells ring the welcome song 
O'er snow-bound hill and shining plain. 

The month of hope ; when hearts grow glad 

With promise for the coming day ; 
There is no room for sorrow's frown, 

And all the past is laid awaj. 



I 



THE FESriVAL OF THE YEAR. ^ 

The children love me for my snows, 
The icy ponds, the frozen streams, 

And monarch of the \Yinter months, 
My crystal palace shines and gleams. 

Foi? me the shouts of ^Yildest glee 

From ice-locked pond and coasting-hills. 

For me the glowing cheeks of youth. 
The dancing eyes, the restless will. 

Forever, as the years come round, 

A merry welcome waits for me ; 
The stepping-stone into the new — 

The month of childhood's sport and glee. 

[^Exit January, 

(As January and Attendant pass off the stage, let Feb 
ruary and Attendant enter, so that the stage ivill not he 
empty at any moment, and one month will follow another 
without pause?) 
February, — 

I bind the snows about my brow. 

And icy winds my heralds be, 
But in my heart are whisperings 

Of western breeze and budding tree. 

For me the wild birds choose their mates, 
And loving thoughts and hopes are mine^ 

For in my bosom still I bear 

The days of sweet St. Valentine, 

When human hearts like birds ma;^ feel 
The promise of the budding spring, 

And wake to thoughts of love and light. 
And all the gladness it shall bring. 



52 THE FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR. 

f 

The shortest month of all the year, 
My hurrying feet not long may stay. 

But love and friendship that I bring 
Time hath no power to steal away. 

\Exit February 

{Here may he a tableau of January and February, 
with their Attendants, offering tributes to Time and the 
Old Year. While the tableau is being arranged a caroi 
may be sung appropriate to the coming of spring.^ 

March. — 

Boisterous and blustering I come— 
And yet for me the robins sing, 
The blue-bird plumes his azure wing. 

And swallows from the south fly home. 

Katkins their yellow banners show, 
And by the streams and brooks appeal 
The downy pussy-willows, dear 

To young and old, to high and low. 

Men dread me for my chilling breath, 

Forgetting that I hold the key 

To April flowers, and mystery 
Of budding trees, and life from death. 

Oh ! join your voice with mine, and sing 

The carol of the better day. 

The winter now is passed away, 
To greet you comes the laughing spring. 

\Exii Mard^ 






THE FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR. 83 

April. — 

'Neath my feet the violets blossom, 
Crocus blooms, and snow-drops shine, 

All the sweets of shy arbutus, 

And the blood-root's flowers, are mino. 

By the streams, now flowing gayly, 
Shines the cowslips' cwps of gold, 

And on hill and plain are gleaming 
Dandelions manifold. 

Smiles and tears are mine, and singing 

Of the early nesting birds, 
All men loye me for my beauty. 

Greeting me with loying words. 

But I cannot stay among you, 

All too soon I must away. 
Hark ! already from to-morrow 

Sound the dancing feet of May. 



ifay, — • 

At my bidding, flowers and trees 
Burst into a wealth of bloom, 
All is beauty and perfume. 

Song of birds and early bees. 

Lilac flowers, plumed and sweet, 
Apple blooms, like drifted snows^ 
And the first shy, tender rose, 

Cast their petals at my feet. 

Heralded by glad birds' tune, 
In my path the flowers shine* 



[^Exit April 



M THE FESTIVAL OF THE YEAB. 

Untold wealth I count as mine, 
And my going bringeth June. 

Sweetest month of sweetest spring. 
Full of sunshine and of flowers. 
Promises of golden hours. 

That the summer months shall bring. 

And when I am far away, 

And rare June is in my place, 
Think that all her light and grace 

Had not been but for sweet May. 

lExit May. 

{Tableau of March, April, May, and their Attendants 
offering their tributes to Time and the Old Year, While 
being prepared, a carol may be sung appropriate to the 
depaHure of spring and the coming of summerJ) 

June, — 

I'm June, sweet June, my garments fringed with light, 
M.y roses beauteous, my knee-deep grass. 
O'er which the shadows of the white clouds pass. 

My clover fields, my daisies pure and white. 
Men love them all, and loving them love me. 

I am the queen of summer, of the year, 

In me the purposes of life appear. 
In June it is enough to live, to be ; 

Then God seems nearer to the hearts of those 

Who love Him, speaking words of hope and graoa 
Men read them shining on fair nature's face, 

And own the pur230se of the frost and snows. 
Whoever listens to my gay birds' tune 
Is glad to live and breathe and have it June. 

[JExit Jun^ 



l-HE FESTIVAL OF THE YEAS, &J> 

July. — » 

Knee-deep grass is turned into mowing, 
Poppies shine where the rose was blowing. 
Summer is lavish of sun. 

Butterflies flit and the bees hum gladly. 
Under the foot droop the flowers sadly, 

Summer will soon be done. 

[Exit July^ 
August. — 

August, the month of sultry heat, 

When summer struggles to maintain 

The beauties of her fading reign ; 
Her singing birds and flowers sweet 

Fade backward to the past again. 

Here gleams bright golden-rod to show 

The coming of the autumn's hour, 

And the pale aster's starry flower 
Their glint on hill and roadside throw. 

Fair heralds of the autumn's power. 

Hearts sorrowing for the waning year, 
Eemember, summer comes again, 
With flowers and music in her train ; 

Though now her beauties disappear, 
It shall not prove that beauty vain. 

Each flower that blossomed bore a seed. 

Fair fruits shall be where flowers have been. 

Each golden day that we have seen 
Shall live to bless our winter's need. 

And memory keep the summer green. 

l^Exit August 



86 THE FESTIVAL OF THE YEAE. 

(^Tableau of June, July, and August, and their Attend 
ants, giving offerings to Time and the Old Year, While 
the tableau is being prepared there may be sung a carol 
appropriate to the approach of autumn and the harvest 
time,) 

September. — 

The daisies nod a long farewell 

From wooded hill and grassy plain. 
And one by one their eyelids close, 

Till gentle summer comes again. 

The vanished light of summer time 

Shines forth once more in autumn's glow; 

The echoes from those merrier days 
Sound in the autumn winds that blow. 

The golden-rod from hill and shore 

Spreads out the yellow banner gay, 
Proclaiming to the world that Fall 

Has triumphed o'er the summer day. 

The red and purple cardinal flowers 
Light up the meadows with their glow. 

And argeratum, fair and white, 
Fringes the dusty roads with snow. 

O rare September! thou dost seem 

The summer's smile on autumn's face; 

The loveliness that once was hers 

Now clothes these short, warm days with graca 

*Tis thus God gives the wealth of years, 
The summer's grace, the autumn's glow. 



THE FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR, 87 

And never can all beauty fade, 

Though cold and dreary lies the snow. 

l_Exit September, 

October. — 

The sweets of the earth are mine. 
Fruits of the tree and vine, 

Hail to October ! 

Month of the golden days, 
Month of the purple haze, 

Hail to October! 

On hills the watchfires burn, 
Vale and plain the sign return, 
Hail to October! 

Then as the sunset's glow 
Fades into night, I go. 

Farewell, October! 

Dying, as dies a bold 

King 'mid his pomp and gold, 

Farewell, October ! 

Bearing the light away, 
Leaving all sad and gray, 

Farewell, October! 

[Exit Oczoh^, 

November.-— 

One moment in her southern flight 

The summer turns her tender eyes. 
And looks upon us from the gloom 

And gra-yness of November skies. 



88 THE FESTIVAL OF THE YEAK. 

Sweet, dreamy time ! an echo thou 
Of beauties that have blessed us long^ 

And in its brevity and grace 

More sweet the echo than the songe 

O Indian summer ! rarest days ! 

A sense of peace our spirits know ; 
Content we'll wait the blessed spring, 

Through winter's reign of ice and snow. 

[^Uxit November^ 

December,-^ 
Sing gayly, if you will, of summer flowers, 

And sigh because June cannot always stay ; 
There is no time 'mid all the year's bright hours 

More welcome to the heart than Xmas Day. 

My face may not be beautiful to see. 

And round my feet forever cling the snows, 

But warm my heart is, and my smile is sweet, ' 
And on my brow behold the. Xmas rose. 

How meet it is that when the earth is sad. 
And nature wraps the land in funeral pall, 

Should come this time of merriment and glee, 
The happiest and the brightest day of all. 

God bless thee. Year ! thy hands are weak to hold^ 
The hours slip from thee and thy death is near, 

But to the last what beauties bless the earth, 

What hours of mirth, what laughter and what cheeii 

*Tis ever so ; God has some joy to yield, 

Some beauty from among His priceless store^ 



THE CHRISTMAS ROSE. 89 

And springs may come and summers bloom and fade, 
From day to day He gives us more and more. 

[^Exit December. 

(Sere there should be a tableau of all the Months and 

their Attendants offering their tributes to Time and the 

Old Year, While it is being prepared a carol may be 

%ung appropriate to Christmas.) 

Edith L. Willis Linit. 



THE CHRISTMAS ROSE. 



THERE was no day in all the year that Mr. Barnard 
loved so well as Christmas. For three-score years 
he had been keeping the joyful feast that commemorates 
the dawn of " peace on earth, good-Avill to men," the 
charity of which his daily life was the faithful exponent; 
and the special deeds of kindness that he performed at 
this season made it a joyful one for many to whom, 
otherv/ise, it would have been a time of bitter depriva- 
tion and want. Many a tiny stocking would have gone 
empty had not his kind heart suggested to him the 
wishes of the little ones, and his ample purse generously 
granted them ; and many a Christmas would have been 
passed in shivering sadness over the dying embers on 
the hearth, had not his thoughtfulness provided the 
roaring fire that sparkled and glowed in the grate. 
What he did, further than this, to show his good-will 
toward men, the savory dinners that smoked on tables 
where only dry bread was usually served, and the bun* 
dies of warm flannel that kept the recipients warmly 
clothed for the remainder of the winter, bore ample 
testimony. 



90 THE CHRISTMAS HOSE. 

So constantly did he continue his good deeds, nevei 
relaxing his watchfulness over the poor and needy 
around him, even when failing strength required him to 
delegate the active duties of charity to others, that no 
one except his physician, who visited him daily, and his 
faithful old housekeeper, realized how soon the time 
would come when his life work would be finished. 

Early in December the doctor had said to good old 
Gretchen . 

*' He is failing steadily. I fear he will not spend this 
Christmas with us." 

And so, indeed, it seemed to every one who entered 
the room, whose threshold he crossed no more, and saw 
the thin, white face, already touched with the beautiful 
light beaming on it from the shining shore, lying so still 
upon the pillows. 

But the days went slowly by, and as Christmas drew 
near he seemed to rouse himself from the dreamy silence 
in which, of late, he had been wrapped, and rallying 
his former manner of cheerful interest in outward 
things, he began to talk to Gretchen about their prepa- 
J'ations for the coming festival. 

" It's overmuch for you to think about, sir, when 
you're so weak and failing,'' protested Gretchen, with 
tears in her eyes, as she listened to the faint, cheerful 
voice that remembered each poor person by name. 

" Oh ! no, the time has not yet come for me to fold my 
hands in idle luxury. ' Faithful to the end ' does not mean 
dropping the burden when it seems a little hard to bear." 

'• But the poor are so ungrateful, sir. You've done 
for them so many years that they begin to think it's no 
more than your duty and their right. Did one of them 
ever thank you for your goodness ?" 



THE CHRISTMAS ROSE. 9% 

** In their hearts, Gretchen, I doubt not they have 
thanked me as sincerely as I could desire. And, even 
if they have not, I have a far richer reward than their 
gratitude in the assurance, ' Inasmuch as ye have done 
it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have 
done it unto me/ It may be my last opportunity to 
perform this work of love ; do not seek to dissuade me 
from the duty." 

Gretchen said no more, but applied herself diligently 
to carrying out the wishes of her master. There were 
many steps to take, many things to remember, and two 
whole days were spent in errands hither and thither, 
that no one might be overlooked. 

Mr. Barnard, upheld by the temporary strength that 
the excitement of planning and ordering had given him, 
maintained his cheerful interest in the work to the end; 
but when all was done, and the shadows of Christmas 
Eve gathered around him, he sank gradually into a 
peaceful sleep, which was but the prekide to that eternal 
rest for which his Aveary heart had so often longed. 

In a miserable frame dwelling not far from his home two 
little children were huddled together over the morsel of 
fire in the stove, trying to keep warm until their mother, 
who had been working all day for one of her wealthy 
patrons, should return and give them their supper. 

"It's Christmas Eve, Geordie," said the older one^, 
with trembling joy and excitement in her voice, as the 
shadows fell deeper and darker around them. "Do 
you remember what we found in our stockings last 
Christmas morning ?" 

"Yes, indeed!" cried Geordie, his baby face lighting 
up with pleasure at the recollection. " Mine had candy 
^nd nuts in it, and I had a ncrw cap and mittens besides^ 



92 THE CHRISTMAS ROSE. 

and lots of warm things that mamma made me out ol 
the pretty stuff that Santa Claus brought us. Isn't he 
good, Jennie ?" 

"There isn't any Santa Claus, Geordie," said Jennie, 
who had long since learned that fairy godmothers and 
beneficent spirits generally were a myth, and that even 
good Saint Nicholas could not perform his acts of kind- 
ness to his little ones except through the intervention 
of pa?^ents or friends. " It was Mr. Barnard who sent 
us all those lovely things ; and he is just as good as he 
can be. Don't you love him for it, Geordie?" 

" Yes," said Geordie, with his musing eyes fixed 
upon the tiny speck of red fire in the grate. 

" So do I," continued Jennie, swaying to and fro, with 
her elbows resting on her knees and her chin propped up 
on both little hands. " I wish we could do something 
to show how much we love him." 

''When I'm a big man," began Geordie, dreamily, 
without taking his great, shining eyes from the bit of 
red fire that held his fascinated gaze, "I'm going to 
build a great, big, beautiful house, and let Mr. Barnard 
live in it. And I'll get him lots of candy and nuts 
and red flannel, and I'll take him out riding every day 
I guess he'll think then that I love him !" 

" That will be nice, Geordie," said Jennie who neve 
discouraged these day-dreams, even though she, wise 
little woman of seven, had outgrown them, "but I mean 
something that we could do now. I haven't anything 
that I could give him for a Christmas present." 

" He may have my tin horse," said Geordie, m a 
spontaneous outburst of generosity, which faltered the 
next instant into a hesitating—" after I have had it B 
little longer." 



rHE CHRISTMAS ROSE, 93 

'^ Oh ! I know what I can give him now I" cried 
Jennie, in joyful tones. "If my beautiful white rose- 
bud blooms to-night, he shall have it in the morning, 
I guess, if I tell him it was the only thing I had to 
give him, he will think it is good enough, don't you, 
Geordie?" 

But hunger and cold had overcome Geordie, and he 
had fallen asleep with his curly head dropping down on 
Jennie's lap, and so the mother found them a few 
moments later when she came home, hungry and tired, 
but in cheerful possession of her day's hard-earned 
wages. 

When the lamp had been lighted, and the few re- 
maining coals put on the grate, and mother had made 
a cup of tea and put the bread and potatoes on the 
table, Jennie wakeued her little brother, and they sat 
down to their supper as merrily as though it had been 
a feast. 

In the midst of it all there came a knock at the door^ 
and the mother, answering it, stood for a long time 
talking to Gretchen in low tones and with sorrowful 
Words that the children could not understand. 

Neither did they know why it was that all through 
the evening, even after a generous load of coal had been 
put into the cellar, and bundle after bundle of good 
things had been brought into the kitchen, their mothei: 
was so silent and sad, and tear^^ so often came ^nto her 
eyes. But Georgie, having hung his little stocking on 
the kitchen chimney, went Tierrily to bed to dream ol 
the glad surprises of Christmas morning, and Jennie, 
after taking a loving look at her rose, whose pretty 
petals were beginning to unfold, soon followed him to 
Dreamland, 



94 THE CHRISTMAS ROSE, 

She was awake the next morning at early dawn, and. 

her first thought was of her gift to Mr. Barnard. Out 
of bed and dressed in a twinkling, she ran at once to 
the rosebush, which she had placed on a chair near the 
kitchen-stove that the warmth might hasten the unfold 
ing of the bud. 

She gave a little cry of delight as she saw, lifting its 
head above a slender stem, amid a delicate surrounding 
of pale green leaves, a full-blown rose, white as snow, 
and bearing in its perfect petals a fragrance so spicy 
and delicate that it filled the whole room with its subtle 
presence. 

Carefully clipping the precious rose >rom the bush, 
Jennie wrapped herself in shaAvl and hood and went 
flying over the snowy road that led to her kind friend's 
home. She was quite breathless and trembling with 
excitement when she reached the house and mounted 
the long flight of steps to the door. 

Gretchen answered the timid ring of the bell, and 
great was her surprise to see the poor, shivering child who 
stood there, with a beautiful white rose in her hand. 

" Please," said Jennie, falteringiy, " may I see Mr* 
Barnard for a moment ?'' 

Gretchen shook her head sadly, and the tears of dis- 
appointment came into Jennie's eyes as she pleaded. 

" He has been so good to us that I wanted to let him 
know how much we love him, and I hadn't anything 
in the world to bring him except this rose. Please 
let me carry it to him my ownself, and ask him to 
take itr 

Gretchen was touched by this simple expression of 
gratitude and affection, and tears were in her eyes m 
she answered softly ; 



FOR CHRISTMAg" SAKE. 9& 

** You may bring your rose in, child, but you must 
©ot speak a word." 

In trembling silence Jennie stole through the hall 
after Gretchen, up the soft-carpeted stairs, and into the 
room, whose solemn stillness spoke of the heavenly 
peace to which he had been called whose life had been 
spent in making others happy. 

Looking with reverent affection upon the calm, white 
face on the pillow, and holding her breath lest she 
should disturb the loved sleeper, Jennie laid her little 
oflering beside him, and then crept softly away, thinking 
of his surprise when he awakened and found the rose. 

" And you will tell him why I brought it, will you 
not, please?" she whispered to Gretchen. 

" I think perhaps he knows all about it,*' was 
Gretchen 's answer, as she took up the rose and rever- 
ently placed it in the waxen fingers. And he who had 
worn through so many years " the white flower of a 
blameless life," now held its spotless emblem in hi4 
ba»d. 

Sue S. Morton. 



FOR CHRISTMAS' SAKE. 

A CHAT, WITH ILLUeTRATION& 

Grandmother. Marib. 

8^^m^E. — Drawing- room ; centre, back, a very larg© 
frame holding a mirror that can be slid back, or elsf 
a gray glazed curtain in simulation of a mirror. 

frrandmother and Marie seated, front, at oppo^te sicks 
of mirror. 



96 FOR CHRISTMAS* SAKE. 

Grandmother (knitting). — So it all ends like a Christ 
mas tale — they forgave and they forgot, for Christmas' 
Bake, and the spirit of the time showed them a restful 
future. 

Marie (embroidering a smoking -cap), — The Spirit ol 
Christmas time showed us a restful future. 

Grandmother.— AX\ ! yes ; I forgot that it was you 
and Richard who were heroine and hero of a quarrel 
that; is amicably adjusted. Now, when I was your age, 
people were rarely so foolish as to have lovers' quarrels. 

Marie. — Good gracious ! then you lived before the 
world became civilized, didn't you, grandma, dear? 

Grandmother. — Don't be profane, Marie, and don't 
call your grandmother a prehistoric relic. But I am. 
sure that in my day people were not so silly as they now 
are. Why, the silliness of the present age begins with 
the children, and does not leave off with the men and 
Women of three-score-years-and-ten. 

Marie. — The men and women of three-score-years- 
and-ten belong to your generation, and not mine, 
grandma. 

Grandmother (knitting vigorously). — As much as to 
say that I am silly ! Let me tell you, that in my day, 
a young woman would have scorned herself if she 
had called her grandmother a prehistoric relic and silly, 

Marie. — Which would have been her duty, grandma. 

Grandmother. — In my day children respected their 
parents, let alone their grandparents — especially at 
Christmas time. I distinctly remember, when I waa 
about five or six, and Christmas was near at hand, how 
my mother dressed me up to receive the holiday com- 
pany, how careful I was and sweet-tempered, even 
Uiough a boy among the company wanted to take mj 



FOR CHRISTMAS' SAKE. 97 

^rig of Christmas green from rae. As thougli the 
reflection were in the mirror back of us [pom^mi^jjl 
see my dear little, clean, peaceable self as I then v>'as ! 
I Curtain in frame rises, or draws, and shotvs a little girl 
of five or six, in old-fashioned ivhite frock rumpled and 
liberally patched with dirt; her hair is tousled and in her 
eyes, her sleeves torn. She aolds in one hand a sprig oj 
Christraas green, malcbig a fist with the other hand and 
shaking it at a bov of about her age, who returns the 
compliment Curtai?? ] Yes, children were very child- 
ish in my days. 

Marie. — While I, in my fifth or sixth year, was a 
bother, I presume. 

Grandmother. — Well, you quarrel with Richard now; 
you may have been a little vixenish in your early child- 
hood. [^Curtain ibises. Tableau, a modern child holding 
her doll, neat and peaceful. Curtain.'] Yes, I fear you 
have not my temper. 

Marie. — And then as you grew older ? 

Grandmother. — I was always fond of my book. At 
Christmas-time I used to say, " Books, books." Indeed, 
the doctors feared for my health, I was so constantly 
engrossed in reading-matter. \_Curtain rises. A girl oj 
twelve, oldfashioned dress, is tearing a book to pieces and 
whistling aloud. Curtain.'] I always had a book in my 
hands. 

Marie. ~1 wonder how I deported myself at about 
that age ? 

Grandmother. — Oh ! dear [^shrugging her shoulders^ 
Perhaps you remember how you used to squeeze your 
doll, to get at the sawdust ? But then we had better 
not speak of yourself, the subject may be painful. Peo- 
pie are so sensitive in this generation. 
7 



98 FOK CHRISTMAS* SAKE. 

-Marie.— I don't remember so clearly as you, deaie 
grandma. 

Grandmother, — Nobody has any memory in thes^ 
days. They are only quarrelsome. 

Marie. — I suppose that at sixteen you were stili ^ 
model ? 

Grandmother.— 1 never posed as a model. Thougo 
at an early age I knitted stockings like these I am gei* 
ting ready for your grandfather's Christmas present, i 
never made useless smoking-caps like that you are em- 
broidering for Richard. 

Marie. — Well, my own sixteenth year is not so far 
off but I can remember that, at least. 

Grandmother (shaking her head), — I don't know. I 
remember it, though. 

Marie. — What do you remember about it ? 

Grandmother. — Wasn't it in your sixteenth year that 
you came to me and positively told me that you hated 
knitting, and that home-made stockings hurt your toes? 
Oh ! the toes of this generation. 

Marie, — But I think I liked to sew and bake, didn't 
I? 

Grandmother. — Bake ! When you had flour around 
you you were a sight to behold. That year you made 
the Christmas pies which your grandfather recommended 
a crow-bar to open. [^Curtain rises. A young girl in 
neat cap and apron, sleeves rolled up, holding aloft a 
Christmas-pie, with a sprig of green in it.~\ Ah ! girls of 
^he present age are not neat, and seldom good house- 
keepers. 

Marie. — Dear me ! I seem to have done everything 
badly. 

Grandmother, — T don't say that, my dear. But we 



FOR CHRISTMAS' SAKE. 99 

gfaould see ourselves as others see us. We are apt to be 
partial to our weaknesses. That is, this generation is. 
As for my own — - 

Marie (clapping her hands). — -At any rate, there is 
one thing you did. 

Grandmother. — How dare you accuse me of flirting? 
[Settling herself in her chairJ] 

Marie {astonished).' — Why, I never uttered the word. 

Grandmother. — No, but I saw it in your eye. Oh ! I 
know this generation. Let me tell you, Miss, that at 
eighteen I was considered a comely young woman. But 
I put all nonsense away from me, and endeavored to 
cultivate the graces of the mind. A man, now, was my 
bug-bear. There was Johnny Small, a likely young 
farmer ; though I never quarreled with him as you 
quarreled with Richard, yet every time he came near 
me I let him see that I despised him, and turned my 
back on him. \_Curtain, rises. Quaintly and coquettishly 
dressed girl. Old-fashioned farmer-lad, in smock frock. 
He is looking sheepishly at her, she smiling in his face. 
Curtain.'] As for giving him any encouragement — ^Oh I 
dear. 

Marie.— \Yhile T— 

Grandmother.— Never mind you, child. I am proving 
to you my innocence of the charge of being a prehis^ 
toric relic, a dunce, and a flirt The idea of a grand= 
daughter calling her own grandmother a flirt ! Why, 
there was Captain Stead, a dashing military man, who 
vowed he'd die if I refused him. But I frowned on 
him and turned my back on him also. [^Curtain rises. 
The coquettish girl is smilingly accepting flowers from a 
military man. Curtain.] Yes, indeed ; he vowed he'd 
die fornix. 



100 FOR CHRISTMAS' SAKE. 

Marie, — -Did he die ? 

Grandmother, — -Of course, he didn't. Would yoTi 
call your grandmother a murderess ? What is this 
generation coming to ? And then — then as in a haze — - 
is Edward Jonas, the great lawyer ; and the poet, who 
became a missionary and was broiled for tea in the 
Sandwich Islands; and George Gray, the exquisites 
and Geoffry White and Robert May \rising excitedly 
and throwing down her knitting, Sojt music, which 
gradually grows louder — '* Auld Lang Syne ''], and then^ 
coming out of the mistiness and the haze like the Star 
of the Time — -for it was Christmas-time— there arises 
before me your grandfather. \_Cartain rises. A young 
man in an old-style dress is kneeling before the coquettish 
girl, who with lowered head gives him both her hands. 
Music, Curtain, The grandmother in front presses a 
handkerchief to her eyes,'] 

Marie,— DesiY grandma, how vividly the old times 
come back to you. 

Grandmother (^reseating herself and resuming her knit' 
ting).— They do, they do. 

Marie. — And I— 

Grandmother. — Yes ; you called me a prehistoric 
relic, a dunce, a flirt, and a murderess. 

ifarie.— Oh 1 never. 

Grandmother. — I understand this generation — "Ac- 
tious speak louder than words.'' Let me tell you that 
you awake in me a great string of reminiscences. You 
even make me see that other and dismal Christmas 
when the war had come, and my boy, your father now» 
gaid good-bye to me. [^Curtain rises. A young soldier 
taking leave of his mother, Curtain.li And then in 
the haze is my son bringing his young wife homej and 



FOR CHRISTMAS* SAKE. 101 

then I am a grandmother and you a sweet littk 
toddler. 

Marie, — -Oh ! I thought I was such a bother ? 

Grandmother, — Not always ; I shouldn't have eared 
for you in that case. No ; I see myself teaching you 
the first elements of womanly gentleness. \_Curtain 
rises. An elderly woman is teaching a little girl to make 
a fist Curtain.'] I used to see myself in you. And 
then — 

Marie.— -Then you spoiled me. 

Grandmother. — I spoil you, indeed ! What next 
atrocity will this generation accuse its grandmothers of I 
Spoiled you, did I ? 

Marie. — Ah ! yes ; a month ago did I not come 
to you and tell you that I had quarreled with Richard, 
and that it was all ended — our long trust and affection? 
And did you not say — 

Grandmother. — Did I not go to him and say : 
'* B-ichard, there is a dear old fellow in the world who 
was once young like you. I loved him when he was 
young, He is old now, and I love him just as dearly. 
And, oh ! I trust that my granddaughter may say aa 
much for you when you are old, for she says a part of 
it now. For dearer to me is my old husband than all 
the world besides." \_Gurtai71 rises. An old man with 
"peaceful face, leaning both hands on his cane, MiisiOj 
*' Aidd Lang Syne.^' Curtain.'] 

Marie [throwing down her sewing, goes to her grand' 
mother and embraces her). — I know all that you did, 
grandma, and we shall never quarrel again. The 
Christmas spirit is in us — 

Grandmother {rising). — As it is in all of us. I ana 
young once more, with the memories of olden timei 



102 ST. valentine's revenge. 

and it is a dreary sarcasm on life when those olden 
times show us more of hate than love. And [taking 
Marie^s hand and leading her baekivard to the mirror, 
where they stand a little apart^ facing the audience — soft 
muisic, '^ Auld Lang Syne.'''] — and, child, when holy 
love throws its halo around our lives, be sure our faces 
are the reflections of our souls, and for dear Christmas' 
sake — Christmas that calls for peace and good- will upon 
earth — the spirit of forgiveness and tender understand- 
ing of the hearts of others should abide with us for- 
ever. 

(Music, " Auld Lang Syiie/' which may be a chorus 
behind the scenes. Curtain in frame rises, Christmas 
greent! and colored lights there. From side of stage 
eomes the grandfather, ivho places his arm about the 
grandmother, while she rests her head upon his shoulder. 
From the opposite side of stage a fashionably dressed 
young man comes and falls on his knees in front of Marie^ 
luho gives him her hand. Colored lights. Loud music oj 

the old song.) 

[Curtain.] 

Robert C. V, Meyers. 



ST. VALENTINE'S REVENGE. 

A PARLOR DRAMA IN ONE SCENE. 



CHARACTERS REPRESENTED. 

Valentine, Maiden. 

Four Messengers, Cupid in Disguisb. 

The Queen of Hearts. 

COSTUMES. 

f ALENTiNE.— A long, white robe. The effect will be heTsrhtened bv orna- 
menting the robe (which may be a sheet gracefully disposed) with 
sings, hearts, arrows, cupids, birds, orange blossoms, or othei suggest 



ST. VALENTINE'S REVENGE. lOS 

tive forms, cut from gilt paper. A crown to match the robe should 
adorn his head. A small square satchel of red cloth ornamented like 
the robe should be swung across his breast by a heavy cord. In his left 
hand he must carry a bunch of small arrows. 

^ESSE>3GERS.— These should be little girls, their dresses any light, airy 
style, but alike in every particular. 

C'TjFiD IN DiscnsE. — A long wrap of sober hue, head and face closely 
covered. This character should be personated by a boy, and, at the 
time of unveiling only the head and shoulders must be revealed. The 
shoulders must be dressed in white. A wig of short, blonde cin-ls would 
add to the effect. 

M AIDE J. —Ordinary dress. 

Queen OF Hearts.— White dress, thickly dotted with red paper hearts. 
Gilt frown covered with same. 



(^Curtain rises and shoivs St. Valentine with the four 
Messengers hieeling before him,) 

Valentine {taking from the pouch on his breast several 
^mte envelopes, and handing some of these, with a few 
arrows, to each Messenger), — 

Take these missives white, 
Rapid be your flight, 
And send an arrow swiftly flying- 
Where'er you leave a missive lying. 

Messengers {ris Ing) . — 

To do thy bidding, Valentine, 

Away, away we glide. 
All the blame and praise be thiaeg 

Whether joy or woe betide. 

Yalentine {iuaving his hand), — 
Away, away ; 

Behold how speeds the day ; 

Soon will come the gloaming gray. 

And ended be my merry play. 
^Messengers go out in single file, running lightly 



104 ST. valentine's revenge, 

Valentine {coming forivard). — 

In all the changing year onh^ one day is min^ 
Only one flitting day for St. Valentine, 
But from morning dawn till the set of sun, 
Every moment finds some swift mischief dona 

Messengers are flying, 

Into secrets prying, 

Bringing me the news. 

Thus, aright I choose. 
Youthful hearts my playthings are. 
And sweet words I send afar. 
Therefore eyes more softly shine 
When draws near St. Valentine. 
But yonder comes, at eager pace, 
The Queen of Hearts, with frowning face. 
Ah ! it bodes me ill, I fear. 
That she draws in anger near. 

{^Enier Qveen of Hearts^ andy going up to St Valentine^ 
speaks sternly.) 

Valentine, Valentine, 

What is it you've been doing? 
All my sub}^ cts, everywhere. 

You havo set a-wooing. 
.Vlany a heart lies broken in two, 
And aii the ill is traced, O meddling saint, to you* 

i^alentine. — 

O beauteous Queen, thy wrath restrain, 
And bear in mind how short my reign. 

Queen of Hearts. — 

Short your reign, 'tis true, 
But lasting is the work you do, 
And now I mean to punish you 



ST. valentine's revenge. 105 

Valentine. — • 

Stay, for lo ! there draws a maiden near. 

We will retreat and all her grave reflections hear. 
( They retreat to the further side of the room. Maiden 
enters, carrying in her hand an open valentine,^ 

Maiden (reading'). — 

Dark and gloomy are my skies 
When thy smile I cannot see, 
Oh ! then, from thy radiant eyes 
Send a sign of love to me. 
What nonsense ! This is the sixth valentine I have 
received to-day, and every one of them jabbers about 
love. Why is it that they do not refer to friendship — 
sweet, beautiful friendship, a thousand times more en- 
chanting than love ? Love, with his arrows that smite 
and wound. He is false and treacherous, I know. 
There (throivs doivn the valentine), I will leave that 
where, perchance, some love-lqrn youth may find it and 
send it to his darling. [_Exit Maiden^ 

Valentine (coming forward and taking up the paper),-^ 
Thus she throws my favors down, 
Heedless of my smile or frown. 
To make this maid my power know 
Will be revenge for this harsh blow, 
A missive now from Valentine, 
Bearing only friendship's line 
Shall this Maiden's straightway be, 
And thou, O Queen, pray quickly flee. 
And the naughty Cupid seek. 
In Friendship's garb of sombre gray 
Quickly now his form array, 
Here bid him come with aspect meek. 



106 fST. valentine's revenge. 

Queen of Hearts. — 

Aha ! I see your cunning plan, 

St. Valentine revenged would be. 
I will aid you all I can, 

For she long hath baffled me. 

\^Exit Queen of Hearts on the rinht 
(Enter Maiden on the left.) 
Valentine (advancing and boiving loiv, extends a white 
mvelope, ivhich he has taken from his satchel). — - 
Grant, O maiden fair indeed 
This simple valentine to read. 
Maiden (turning aivay scornfully). — No ; I am sick of 
valentines. I would not accept one even from St. Val- 
entine himself. 

Valentine (aside), — Oh! think of that. [To Maid- 
en:'] 

But in the name of good St. Valentine 
I ask, why do you not to valentines incline ? 
Maiden. — They chatter of love too much. I'm tired 
of hearing about it. 
Valentine. — 

But this is on a better theme, 
No tales are told of " love's young dream "— 
No idle rhymes of wedding bells. 
On friendship's joys alone it dwells. 
Maiden (taking the missive eagerly). — Ah! that will 
lease me. [^Reads:'] 

Neither the earth nor the ocean deep 
Within their caverns safely keep 
A treasure as wonderful and rare 
As this I offer, O maiden fair. 
Not love, with its wild inconstancy^ 
But friendship true I offer thee. 



ST. valentine's revenge. 107 

All ! how beautiful. But who are you who offer thi« 
gift to me ? \_Looking at him keenly^ 
Vcdentine, — 

I am the friend of youthful hearts, 
And as each hurrying hour departs 
Kound them my bright favors shine. 
This is my name — St. Valentine. 
Maiden, — Can it be ? 
Valentine. — 

It is, indeed, and I would bless 
Thy choice. Sweet happiness 
Ever waits when friendship's near— 
Behold the one who enters here. 
{Enter Cupid in disguise.) 
Maiden (clasping her hands eagerly), — Oh ! can it be 
friendship at last ? 

Valentine (to Cupid). — 

The Maiden knows thee and would be 
Pledged for evermore to thee. 
(Joins their hands,) 
Ever constant be your hearts 
Till the light of life departs. 
Maiden. — Sweet Friendship, I am thy willing captive. 
Cupid. — And may est thou never regret thy captivity. 
See, my chain is a flowery one. {^Throws a long wreath 
of floivers about her neck, and passes his arm through it. 
Queen of Hearts now enters cautiously and stands some 
distance behind the others^ Thou art now mine in- 
deed. 

Maiden,— li I could only see thy face, sweet Friend- 
ship. 

Cupid. — Be not impatient. Thy confidence in taking 
me thus unseen shall not pass unrewarded. 



108 ST. VALENTINE^S REVENGE. 

Queen of Hearts (aside). — How well he plays $1 
Ail ! a sad rogue is our Cupid. 
Valentine. — 

O maiden, now withdraw thy hate, 
And never more St. Valentine berate. 
Maiden. — Dear St. Valentine, thou hast proved my 
best friend. How must I show my gratitude? 
Valentine. — 

Promise that this flowery chain 
Thou wilt never break in twain. 
Maiden. — A pledge gladly given and easily kept. 
Never — never will I turn from the one whom I have so 
lorig and eagerly sought. 

(C lipid drops the disguise as previously described.) 
Maiden. — Why — why, 'tis Love himself. [^Thrvwa 
t€.p one hand and stands transfixed^ 

( Valentine and Queen of Hearts together y smiling and 
pointing at her). — 

Thou art not the first maid 

Who has sought Friendship's grace. 
And met at the last 

Love's sweet, pleading face.* 

[Tableau.] 

[Curtain.] 

Clara J. DENTtM. 



• fiom Moore in. his poem, "A Temple to Friendship," says: 
***** *♦ You're not the first maiden 
Who came but for Friendship and took away Love.'* 



OUR HOLIDAYS. 10& 

OUR HOLIDAYS. 



For two boys and two girls, with a chorus of h^everal good singers cm 
the back part of the stage. 

First Boy (holding a banner bearing the portrait of 
Washington , and adorned with laurel). — I am the TwentT- 
second of February. Although I come in the shortest 
month of all the year, I am dear to the people of 
America because I am Washington's Birthday. George 
Washington was born at ]\It. Vernon, Virginia, in 1732. 
He was a brave and truthful boy, and so it is not strange 
that he became a great and good man. Because he was 
the leader of our armies in the war which P-iade us a 
nation he is called the father of his country. He was 
the fii-st President of the United States, and he will 
always be first in the hearts of the American people. 

Four Children in concert. — c 

Such was the noble Washino-ton ; 

We ne'er shall see his like again ; 
He was fii^t in Avar, first in peace, 

And first in the hearts of his countiymea. 

Choni'S. — (One stanza of ^^ If ail Columbia,'' or some 
ather patriotic song.) 

Second Boy (bearing a flag and a druni).—! am the 
biggest of all the birthdays, for on the Fourth of July, 
1776, our glorious nation was born. When the wise 
men who met in the old State House in Philadelphia 
declared that our country should no longer be ruled by 
the King of England, but should be free and inde- 
pendent, the old bellman rang the bell in the steeple 
louder and longer than it had ever rung before, and 
•* proclaimed liljerty throughout the land to all the 



110 OUR HOLIDAYS. 

inhabitants thereof." And now, every Fourth of Jaly 
we hang out all the flags, and build bonfires and ring 
bells and fire cannon, and make the biggest kind of 9 
noise. Hurrah for the Fourth of July ! 
AU four in concert — 

That old State-House bell is silent, 

Hushed is now its clamorous tongue. 
But the spirit it awakened 

Still is living, ever young ; 
And when we greet the smiling sunlighi 

On the fourth of each July, 
We will ne'er forget the bellman 

Who, betwixt the earth and sky, 
Rang out, loudly, " Independence !" 
Which, please God, shall never die. 
Chorum Q' America'^ ). — 

Our Father, God, to Thee^ 
Author of liberty. 

To Thee we sing ! 
Long may our land be bright 
With freedom's holy light ! 
Protect us by Thy might, 

Great God, our King. 
First Girl (bearing a basket decorated with wheat afid 
oats, and filled luith corn and fruits), — I am the pea<jeful 
Thanksgiving Day. When the harvests all are over., 
and we have laid in a goodly store for the winter, then 
the children and grandchilden gather together at the 
old homestead, to eat roast turkey and pumpkin pies, 
to have a good time together, and to thank God for all 
His blessings. Thanksgiving is a national holiday now, 
Dut the day was first celebrated in New England by the 
Pilgrim Fathers, who gave thanks to God that they 



OUB HOLIDAYS. 11 J 

had at last found a place where they could worship 
Him as they thought right. 
All four in concert. — 
Ay, call it holy ground, 

The soil where first they trod ; 
They have left unstained what there they found, 
Freedom to worship God ! 
Chorus (Air, Dix, A portion of any other Thanks- 
giving hymn may he substituted for this). — 
Praise to God, immortal praise, 
For the love that crowns our days ! 
Bounteous source of every joy, 
Let Thy praise our tongues employ. 
All to Thee, our God, we owe. 
Source whence all our blessings flow. 
Second Girl ^wearing a ivreath of holly). — There is 
no need for me to tell you who I am ; as soon as you see 
my wreath of holly, with its green leaves and red ber- 
ries, you know that I am the beautiful Christmas Day. 
The other three holidays that you have heard about are 
celebrated only in America, but Christmas is kept all over 
the world, for on Christmas Day, Christ, the Saviour of 
mankind, was born in Bethlehem, and the angels of 
God saug " Peace on earth, good-will to men." So on 
Christmas Day we all try to be loving and good, and 
to make one another happy. When we learn to do 
this always, then we will keep Christmas all the yeai 
round. 

All four in concert — 

All glory be to God on high, 
And to the earth be peace ; 
Good-will henceforth from man to Bias 
Begin, and never cease I 



112 A CHRISTMAS PASTIME. 

Chorus (any other Christmas carol may be substituted),^^ 
God rest ye, all good Christians, let nothing you dis« 

may, 
For Jesus Christ, our Saviour, was born on Christmas 

Day; 
The dawn rose red o'er Bethlehem, the stars shone 

through the gray, 
VVhen Jesus Christ, our Saviour, was born on Christ 

mas Day. 

God rest ye, little children, let nothing you affright, 
For Jesus Christ, your Saviour, was born this happy 

night ; 
Along the hills of Galilee, the white flocks sleeping 

lay, 
When Christ, the child of Nazareth, was born on 

Christmas Day, 

Elizabeth Lloyd. 



k CHRISTMAS PASTIME ; OR, THE CRYING 
FAMILY. 

About thirty-five minutes in representation. 





PERSONS IM THE PLA.Y. 


Father, 


Mother, Numerous Childben, 


January, 


St. Valentine, March, 


April, 


May, June, 


rouRTH OF July 


, August, September, 


October, ' 


November, Old Christmas. 



tine Father and Mother are seated in arm-chairs on one side of the 
stage, toward the back. The youngest child sits in the mother's lap ; the 
others on low chairs, stools, hassocks, and on the floor in semicircular 
rows around their parents, but facing out. All, including father an^ 
mothet have handkerchiefs, and are sobbing and crying. 



A CHEISTMAS PASTIME. 113 

January is a smnll boy, dressed in white canton flannel, sparkling with 

spangles and crystal beads, and trimmed with cotton batting ; on his 

head a cap of tlie same. 
St. Valentine, a larger boy, wears a page's suit of gay colors, velvet 

cap ornamented with a large, gilt heart from which rises a long 

plume. A postman's bag of some bright color hangs over his shoulder. 

and in it are some fanciful valentines. 
March is a boy of twelve or fourteen, in a rough suit ; if it is worn 

through at the elbDws and knees so much the better ; old, shabby, soft 

felt hat ; old, muddy boots. 
April is a slender little girl, fair and pale, with a gossamer waterproof 

on, but thrown back to show a white dress with light green tulle trim- 
mings. 
May is a larger girl in pale blue, with a bunch of apple-blossoms at the 

front. 
June is a girl of twelve to fifteen, in pink, with a wreath of flowers on 

her head. 
Fourth of July is a young lady in white with red sash ; a blue liberty 

cap with a border of gilt stars. She carries the national flag. 
August is a young man in a yachting suit, with sailor hat, or a tennis 

suit, with a racquet in his hand. 
September is a young man in a hunting suit, with a game bag and gun 

on his shoulder. A well-trained dog is an addition, but is not indis 

pensable. 
October is a lady in wine color, with a mantle of orange or gold coloi 

gracefully draped over the shoulder, and a crown of autumn leaves on 

her head. 
Novembkr is a stout, middle-aged man, dressed as a farmer, carrying a 

basket of provisions, turkey, squash, and celery. 
Old Christmas has on abuffalo robe, with dots of cotton batting on the 
shoulders and on the top of his fur-trimmed cap (to represent a sprink- 
ling of snow). He carries a tall staff wound with evergreen, with a 
bunch of holly twigs fastened at the top. He has white hair and 
beard. 

*** The verses to be sung are altered from an old carol. Music, an oid 
Welsh air. 



THE CRYING FAMILY. 

Father y Mother^ and Children. — 

Oh ! dear ; oh ! dear ; what shall we do? 
Oh ! dear ; oh ! dear. Boo-hoo ! boo-hoo ! 

January (entering from the opposite side).-^ 
Please stop crying, and listen to me. 
% 



114 A CHRISTMAS PASTIME. 

[^Father, Mother and Children stop crying and look m 
him in surprise.'] 
Mother. — 

Well, little boy, pray who may you be ? 
January. — 

I'm a kind of winter fairy, 

And my name is January ; 

I can give you something nice — 

Deep, white snow, and slippery ice ; 

Sliding, coasting, sleighing, too. 

For four long weeks I promise you. 
Father.— 

Yes, and plumbers' bills to pay ! 

Thanks ! you'd better go away. 

\_Makes a gesture of dismissing him,'] 
All (turning away their faces, and gesticulating as ^ 

wishing to push him out). — 

Go, go, go ! we don't want you. 

[January goes out where he came in,^ 
All (crying again). — 

Oh ! dear ; oh ! dear. Boo-hoo ! boo-hoo ! 

St. Valentine (entering). — 

Stop your crying and listen to me. 

\_All look up as before.'] 
Father. — 

Well, young gentleman, who may you be ? 
St. Valentine. — 

I come as a messenger, my friends. 

That Mother February sends ; 

They call me sweet St. Valentine ; 

I can give you something fine, 

[^Take$ valentines from his bag and shows them.^ 



A CHRISTMAS PASTIME. 119 

Pretty notes, all paper-lace, 

Flowers and verses in their place. 
Mother, — 

Yes, and chilblains on our toes ; 

I don't care how soon he goes ! 

[Same gesture as before.1 
All (as before), — • 

Gro, go, go ! we don't want you ! 

[St. Valentine goes outj 
All (crying').'^ 

Oh ! dear ; oh ! dear. Boo-hoo ! boo-hoo 1 

March (enters running, and out of breath').— 

Do stop crying, and listen to me ! 

\_All look up^ 
Father. — 

Well, young fellow, who may you be? 
March. — 

Well, old fellow, March is my name— 

The wind was blowing this way, so I came— 

I've engagements to-day in various directions, 

I'm very busy about the elections ; 

If you want any water, I'll send you a flood, 

If you want to play marbles, I'll furnish some mud. 
Mother.-— 

And a cold in the head to every one. 
All (sneezing).-^ 

At-chew ! at-chew ! 
Father. — 

That's enough ! Begone ! 
All (as before). — 

Gro, go, go ! we don't want you. 

[March goes out running,^ 



116 A CHRISTMAS PASTIME. 

All (cTying), — 
Oh ! dear ; oh ! dear. Boo-hoo I boo-hoo t 

April (^entering timidly). — 
Perhaps you'd better listen to me. 

{^AU look up^ 
Mother — 

Well, little girl, pray who may you be ? 
April [bashfully).' — 
My name is April — I thought I'd come- 
But I almost wish I'd stayed at home. 

[Looks shyly back toward the Joor.j 
I thought I'd come — but I don't know why — 
Oh 1 dear, I believe I'm going to cry ! 

[Hides her face in her hands.'^ 

Mother. — 

And spoil our new bonnets! I call that cool I 
Faiher. — 

I never could bear an April fool I 
All (as before). — 

Go, go, go ! We don't want you I 

[April goes out crying.'} 
All (crying).— 

Oh ! dear ; oh ! dear. Boo-hoo I boo-hoo 1 

May (enters laughing).— 

You'd better stop cryir-gj and listen to me. 

[All look ^«p J 
Mother. — 

Well, Miss Pert, and who may you be? 
Ma,y. — 

You've often heard of me, I dare say, 

Vm the famous " Merry, merry May/* 



A CHRISTMAS PASTIME. HI 

rU give you days that are light and long. 

The blue-bird's note and the robin's song, 

A scent of violets in the breeze, 

Bright green meadows and blossoming trees—* 
Mother, — 

And moving and house-cleaning, paper and paint. 

Sweeping and scrubbing, till we're ready to faint I 
All (as before). — 

Go, go, go 1 We don't want you ! 

\j^Iay tosses her head and goes out'} 
All (crying'). — 

Oh ! dear ; oh ! dear. Boo-hoo ! boo-hoo I 

June (entering). — 

Why are you crying ? Come, listen to me. 

[All look up!^ 
Father. — 

Well, pretty maiden, who may you be ? 
June. — 

I'm June, the enchantress, fair and young. 

Adored by lovers, by poets sung ; 

I bring the rare and perfect days. 

Soft skies and roses, and bob-o' -links' lays— 
Mother. — 

And country cousins for summer shopping I 
Father. — 

And canker worms, by the million dropping! 
Ctiildren. — 

You'll drive us all to desperation, 

It's nothing but cram for examination I 
All (as before). — 

Cro, go, go ! We don't want you ! 

[June shrugs her shoulders and goes omi\ 



118 A CHRISTMAS PASTIMBJ. 

All {crying) — 
Oh ! dear ; oli ! dear. Boo-hoo I boo-hoo ! 

Fourth of July (entering). — 
Leave off this crying, and listen to me. 

\All look wp.J 

Father. — 

Well, young lady, who may you be ? 
fourth of July. — 

Not know who I am ? Fie, oh ! fie ; 

Don't you recognize the Fourth of July? 

I'll give you a splendid celebration 

IVr the birthday of this glorious nation ; 

Horns that blow with the earliest light. 

Wonderful fireworks, shown at night, 

Lemonade at the corner stands, 

Waving banners and martial bands, 

Boom of cannon, and roll of drums— 
Mother, — 

Scorched faces, burnt clothes, and blistered tliumWI 
Father. — 

Fire, disaster, and devastation—* 

That's the way you honor the nation I 
All (as before). — 

Go, go, go ! We don't want you ! 

[^Fourth of July stalks off majestically.'] 
All (crying). — • 

Oh ! dear ; oh ! dear. Boo-hoo ! boo-hoo ! 

August (entering with a dance, skip, and jumpj,^^ 
Now leave off crying, and listen to me. 

\_All look up,] 

Father (sharply). — 
Well, young whipper-snapper, who may you b© ? 



» 



CHRISTMAS PASTIME* 119 

August— 

Oh ! I see you are rather cross — 
Too much counting of profit and loss, 
Too much worry and household care, 
Too much work for young brains to bear ; 
You ought to have more time to spare ; 
A foe to business, I revel in pleasure, 
I'm August, the patron of elegant leisure. 
Take a month's vacation with me, 
At the mountains or by the sounding sea I 

Father,'^ 

And who'll pay our board, I should like to know, 
At the grand hotels where you'd have us go ? 

Mother. — 

Who'll promise exemption from all the ills 
Of the hot little farm-houses ujd on the hills? 
Mosquitoes, hard water, and tough beefsteak, 
Beds — the thought of them makes me ache ! 

father, — 
And who's responsible, who, but you, 
For the typhoid fever and cholera, too ? 

Children, — 
And what's the good of vacation, I say, 
When the weather's^ so awfully hot you can't play ? 

All (as before^. — 

Go, go, go ! We don't want you ! 

\^August ships out^ 

All (crying).-— 

Oh ! dear ; oh ! dear. Boo-hoo I boo-hoo ! 

Beptember (entering), — . 

Come, come, quit crying, and listen to me. 

[All look upJl 



120 A CHRISTMAS PASTIME. 

Father.' — 

Well, and pray, sir, who may yon be ? 

September, — 

An old acquaintance ; September's my name ; 
I can show you the very best of game. 
Cool days, bright sky, and the greatest fun 
That ever was got out of dog and gun ; 
And if an excursion you're going to make, 
I'm the companion you want to take. 

Father. — 
There, that's enough ! We all belong 
To the S. P. C. A., and we think it's wrong— 
This shooting of rabbits and birds for play — 
We'll have nothing to do with it anyway ! 

Mother. — 

Your days may be cool, and your sky be clear. 
But I think 'twas a gale of yours last year 
That tore my week's washing off the line — • 

Father. — 

And blew down a favorite pear tree of mine— 

Mother. — 

Though your weather is neither cold nor warm. 
What about your equinoctial storm ? 

Children. — 
Talk of excursions, and having fun ! 
It's all your doing that school has begun ; 
Digging at fractions and x + y, 
What chance have we to gaze at the sky ? 

All (as before).— 

Go, go, go ! we don't want you ! 

[September whistles to his dog, and goes o^.^ 

All (crying). — 

Oh ! dear ; oh ! dear. Boo-hoo ! boo-hoo ! 



A CHRISTMAS PASTIME. 12l 

Octobe: . dering^ . — 

Hr '; aush, my friends, and listen to me. 

[All look up.] 
F - 

a pray, dear madam, who may you be? 
C )ber, — 

My name is October, the golden prime 

Of the year is mine, the harvest tim« ! 

Plenty crowns meadow and vine and tree ; 

The grain in the field belongs to me. 

The orchard's wealth and the vine's rich stores— 

I offer them all to you and yours. 
Mother, — 

Your days are short, and your mornings cold, 

And we feel that the year is growing old. 
Father, — 

Your gifts — as you call them — are bought and sold^ 

And your beautiful leaves of crimson and gold 

Litter the garden dreadfully, 

And keep me busy continually. 
Children, — 

You're neither one thing nor another, 

Under our overcoats we smother, 

Or else without them we must shiver 

If there's the slightest breeze whatever. 
All (as before). — 

Go, go, go ! we don't want you ! 

\_October botes with dignified stiffness^ and goes out^ 
All (crying). — 

Oh ! dear; oh ! dear. Boo-hoo ! boo-hoo! 

November (ent&inng). — 

Hey ? what's the matter? Come, 'tend to me. 

\_All look up."] 



122 A CHRISTMAS PASTIME. 

Mother.— 

Well, my good man, and who may you be? 
November. — 

Why, bless me, ma'am, you surely remember 

Thanksgiving Day comes in with November ! 

Here, take what I bring you, I give what I can, 

On my word as an honest and hard- working man. 
Mother. — 

A turkey to roast, and squash pies to make! 

Oh ! how my head and my joints will ache ! 
Father, — ■ 

Though you seem to be so hale and lusty, 

Your days are dark, and your nights are frosty; 

You give me sore throats and rheumatic pains — • 
Children. — • 

And when there's a Fair it always rains. 
All (as before^. — 

Go, go, go ! we don't w^ant you ! 

\_November coughs gruffly^ and goes outJ] 
All {crying'). — 

Oh ! dear ; oh ! dear. Boo-hoo ! boo-hoo ! 

(^Sound of sleigh bells is heard, faint at first, but be* 
eoming louder and louder. All stop crying, and look 
eagerly toward the door. Sound ceased -suddenly.) 

Father. — 

What's that? 
Mother, — 

Who's that? 
Children. — 

Who can it be ? 
Old Christmas {entering'), — 

Dear friends, I'm sure you ail know mei 



A CHRISTMAS PASTIME. 125 

I All look pleased f rise, and put away their handkerchiefs.'] 
My traveling sleigli is just outside, 
I've stopped a moment on my ride 
To know what lads and lassies here 
Have been good children all the year. 

\_AU hang their heads and remain 8ilent!\ 

Does no one answer ? What, not one ? 
Poor little souls, w^hat have you done ? 

Oldest Children. — 
We've often been selfish, and saucy, and sly, 
And put off our lessons to learn by and by. 

Next Younger Children. — 

We've repeated the naughty things some one has said, 
And we have not gone willingly, always, to bed. 

Youngest Children. — 
We haven't been careful and neat when we ate, 
And sometimes we've left all our crusts on the plate. 

All the Children. — 

But one very bad fault we all have, and 'tis this : 
We cry when the least little thing goes amiss. 

[ Old Christmas looks vvry serious.'] 

Father and Mother. — ■ 

Dear Christmas, the children are hardly to blame, 
For we must acknowledge that we do the same. 

Old Christmas (^holding up his finger reprovingly). — 
You ? What an example for parents to set — 
When things don't goto suit you, to whimper and fret j 

^Strokes his beard.] 

In this case I hardly know what I should do 
With the sleigh ful of gifts I was bringing for you. 
Father. — 

O Christmas I we do not deserve them, we fear. 



124 A CHRISTMAS PASTIME. 

Mother, — 

You must take them all back, and wait till next yeai^ 
[All look very sad, and take out their handkerchiefs,] 
Old Christmas.—- 

Take care ! though it's hard, resol ye not to cry ; 

Bear it bravely ! That's right ! Yuu'll succeed if 
you try. 

[They wipe their eyes quickly, put away their handker- 
chiefs, and look more cheerful.'] 

Well done ! There's a smile ! That's worth more 
than a tear ! 

Keep at it, and you'll get a present — next year ! 

[Reftectively stroking his beard."] 

A present next year — [decidedly] no, I'll give it to- 
day ; 

I believe, after all, that will be the best way ; 

'Twill preach to you gently, and. say, " Now, my dear^ 

Make an effort ; you don't quite deserve me this year,'* 

And perhaps when I come here, a year from to-night, 

I shall find that in giving it now I was right. 

Now, while I am gone — 'twill not be very long-— 

Suppose you all join in some merry old song ! 
Mother. — 

We mean to be good and do just as we're told, 

And we all know a song that's both merry and old 
[Old Christinas goes to the doo'^.^ 
Old Christmas.— 

Why, here are the people you treated so badly. 
father. — 

Oh ! bid them come in ; we'll apologize gladly. 

{Old Christmas goes out. The rejected visitors enie^\ 
one after another, and bow ceremonioush in passing to 
the back of the stage, on the side opposite to the family^ 



A CHRISTMAS PASTIME. 



125 



All the family how and curtsey very low as each guest 
When they are in place, all sing.) 



(Semi-chorus.) 

" =1: 



(FuLi. Chorus.) 



SEEFi 



■^=1^ 



_g__g__^_f 



?T=:gz=^^SE^ 



1. Deck the hall with boughs of hoi -ly ,Hail to thee, Old Christmas 

e-:-;e_^_,fi_,^ — ^^-— -e — ^-,-r— g-— :g- -^ -r- 



m 



5EBE 



^1^ 



(Fuiii. Chorus.) 



^_^. 



( Semi-Chorus,) 



3=e 



^=4= 






=:^=1= 



^iE 



g=Sz:i-^i:Eg=i=^-S=*^ 



Hail to thee! 'Tis the sea-son to be jol-ly, Caroling to-geth-er 



-^_e— ^- 



-^-^- 



=C=t: 



rgi-ie^gu^-ff:- 



:^tzs=:ti=iB~^z; 



^-^-^-^-j~ 



(Semi -Chorus.) 



n^ H — ::^ —i—L^ — a|— « — ) — halt— r — « — 2 



EiE 



EiEi=^ 



mer- ri - ly ! Don we now our gay appar- el, Troll the ancient 






-m- 



:e-i--ff--e— -e- 



-L^~^Z 



se-^—er-^^-^e-- 



-^~r 



(FuLi. Chorus.) 



:«rE=^=:»= 



da-tz- 



"^ 



fE^=i=t- 



zS^iJZV 



=^tz± 



Christmas car - ol, Hail to thee, Old Christmas, hail to thee! 



m^: 



m 



m^^ 



=t=t= 



"V-^r 



See the blazing Yule before us; 

Hail to thee, Old Christmas, hail to thee! 
Strike the harp and join the chorus, 

(Caroling together merrily : 



126 A FLOWER SERVICE. 

Follow me in merry measure 
While I tell of Christmas treasure ; 

Hail to thee, Old Christmas, hail to thee I 

Fast avv^ay the old year passes, 

Hail to thee, Old Christmas, hail to theei 
Greet the new, ye lads and lassies, 

Caroling together merrily ! 
Sing once more, and all together, 
Heedless of the wind and weather, 

Hail to thee, Old Christmas, hail to thee! 
j[Old Christmas enters and distributes giftsJ] 
Mrs. L. a. Bradbury. 



A FLOWER SERVICE. 



SUGGESTIONS. 

This short service may be used as a concert piece and thus be repeated 
by the whole school, or the "Bible Selections " may be read or recited 
responsively, and the rhyme by one person ; or the former by some 
selected boys or girls, or by the whole school. Again, half of the " Bible 
Selections " may be given to the boys and half to the girls, the rhyme 
then being recited by all together. Or, as a still further change, the 
entire service may be recited by separate girls or boys selected from the 
school. In this case the girls should be dressed simply in white, and 
each one who recites should carry an appropriate bouquet, which should 
be laid on a convenient table or altar at the close of each separate reci= 
tation. 

This service may be appropriately used on various occasions by 
adapting the manner of rendering it to each particular celebration. It 
could be used at Easter, Decoration Day, Children's Day, or at a gather- 
tag of the members of a Flower Missiou. 

BIBLE SELECTIONS. 
Ho. 1. 

For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. 



A FLOWER SERVICE, 127 

No. 2. 

The flowers appear on the earth, the time of the 
singing of the birds is come, and the voice of the turtle 
is heard in our land. 

No. 3. 

The fig-tree putteth forth her green figs, and the 
vines with the tender grape give a good smell. 

Solomon's Song ii, 12th and part of 13th verse. 

No. 4. 

As for man, his days are as grass ; as a flower of the 
field so he flourisheth. 

Psalm ciii, 15th verse. 

No. 5. 

I will be as the dew unto Israel ; he shall grow as the 
lily and cast forth his roots as Ijebanon. 

Hosea xiv, 5th verse. 

No. 6. 

The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad 
for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as 
the rose. 

Isaiah xxxv, 1st verse. 

No. 7. 

I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley. 
Song of Solomon ii, 1st verse. 

No. 8. 

Consider the lilies how they grow ; they toil not, 
they spin not, and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in 
all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 

Luke xii, 27^h vers© 



128 A "children's day" service. 

No. a 

BRING FLOWERS. 

Sweet flowers are blooming so bright and so fair^ 
Then scatter them freely with many a prayer. 
Go where the sick and the weary ones stay 
And scatter them, scatter them, over their way. 

Lay them not low on the graves of the dead. 
But bring them to hands that are toiling instead. 
Let each petal of beauty sweet stories unfold 
Of mansions on high where are glories untold. 

Then hope will arise 'mid shadows of night, 
And the tear-heavy eyes grow joyous and bright^ 
Yes, carry them, carry them, flowers so fair, 
Where sweep the dark pinions of sorrow and care. 

If each number is given by a separate boy or girl 
a pretty effect may be obtained by having each speakei 
take his or her place to form a half circle about the 
table or stund which receives the flowers, and remain 
thus in tableau a few moments at the close of the 
recitations. 

Clara J. Denton. 



A " CHILDREN'S DAY " SERVICE. 



This service is notintenderl to arrange for either singing or prayers. 
These must be left to the individual opportunities and needs of eacJti 
^•articular school. 

No. L 

(A responsive reading by the Superintendent and 
SehooL) 

Superintendent. — Both young men and maidens, old 
aaen and children. 



A "children's day" service. 129 

School. — -Let them praise the name of the Lord, for 
His name alone is excellent ; His glory is above the 
earth and heaven. 

Psalm xlviii, 12th and 13th verse% 

Superintendent — And when the chief priests md 
scribes saw the wonderful things that He did^ ^^nd the 
children crying in the temple, and sayings Hosanna to 
the son of David ! they were sore displeased, 

School. — And said unto Him, Hearest thou what these 
say ? And Jesus saith unto them Yea, have ye never 
read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou 
hast perfected praise ? 

Matt, xxi, 15th and 16th verses. 

Superintendent — And Jesus called a little child unto 
Ilim, and set him in the midst of them. 

School. — And said. Verily I say unto you. Except ye 
be converted and become as little children ye shall not 
enter into the kingdom of heaven. 

Superintendent — Whosoever, therefore, shall humble 
himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the 
kingdom of heaven. 

School. — And whoso shall receive one such little child 
in my name receiveth me. 

Matt, xviii, 2dj 3d, 4th, and 5th verses. 

Superintendent — And they brought young children 
io Him, that He should touch them, and His disciples 
rebuked those that brought them. 

School. — But when Jesus saw it He was much dis- 
pleased, and said unto them. Suffer the little children 
to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is th© 
kingdom of God. 

Superintendent — Verily I say unto you, Whosoevei 
9 



130 A "children's day" service. 

ehall not receive the kingdom of God as a little chilCk, 
he shall not enter therein. 

School.— And he took them up in His arms, piit Bis 
hands upon them, and blessed them. 

Mark x, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th verses, 
If 0.2. 

(Recitation by a little girl of the following verses ;) 

I wonder if I had been there, 

'Mong the throngs who near Jesus would be. 
Would His face have been tenderly turned 

A moment to smile upon me ? 

Had I only been close to Him then, 
When He kindly, pityingly said, 
** Let the little ones come," would His hands 
Have been lovingly laid on my head? 

Perhaps He'd have held me so close 

That His face I plainly could see. 
And then I would softly have prayed, 

Dear Jesus, oh ! make me like Thee. 

But though I could not be there. 

He loves little children to-day. 
If I ask Him He'll hear me, I know. 

And keep me from going astray. 

No. 3. 

{Reading by Superintendent or other selected perion of 
&€ third chapter of the first book of Samuel.^ 

No. 4 

{ReGitation by infant class of this verse i) 

I love them that love me, and those that seek me 
tiariy shall find me. Prov. viii, 17tb verse 



I 



A "childhen's bay" service. 131 

iS'o. 5. 

(^Recitation by classes of the follovdng verses, a verse to 
aach class:) 

1. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is 
right, 

2. Honor thy father and mother, which is the first 
commandment with promise. 

3. That it may be well with thee, and thou may est 
live long on the earth. 

Eph. vi, 1st, 2d, and 3d verse*. 

4. My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep 
my commandments. 

5. For length of days and long life and peace shall 
they add to thee. 

6. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee ; bind them 
about thy neck, write them upon the table of thine 
heart. 

7. So shalt thou find favor and good understanding 
in the sight of God and man. 

8. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean 
not unto thine own understanding. 

9. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall 
direct thy paths. 

Proverbs iii, first six verses, 

10. Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth, 
while the evil days come not nor the years draw nigh 
when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. 

Ecc. xii, 1st versa 



132 A "children's day" service. 

Fo. 6. 

(An exercise for eight young girls. The girls should 
be dressed in white. On the breast of each a large letter 
must be fastened. These letters should be made of paste- 
board and lined with cambric, so that they may easily be 
attached to the dress by means of small safety-pins. They 
may be decorated either with flowers, evergreens, or gilt 
paper. As each speaker completes her verse the next 
should be near at hand to take her place promptly beside 
her. When all have taken their places the motto, " Be 
Humble,^^ will be displayed by the letters on the breasts oj 
the speakers,) 

(^Texts for this exe7'cise,) 

B, Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, 
and before honor is humility. 

Prov. xviii, 12th verse. 

E. Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in 
the bond of peace. 

Eph. iv, 3d verse. 

H. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and 
He shall lift you up. 

James iv, 10th verse^ 

U. Unto the lowly Ha giveth grace. 

Prov. iii, 34th verse (transposed)* 

M. Meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another. 
Col. iii, part of 12th and 13th verses. 

B. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the 
«arth. 

Matt. V, 5th verse, 



THE STORY OF THANKSGIVING. 13{j 

L. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory, 
but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the other bettei 
than themselves. 

Phil, ii, 3d verse. 

E. Even as the Son of man came not to be minis- 
tered unto, but to minister. 

Matt. XX, 28th verse. 

( Closing text to be immediately repeated by the school in 
concert) 

God reskteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the 
humble. 

James iv, 6th verse. 

{These eight girls should remain in tableau during the 
singing by the choir of a short and appropriate song or 
hymn. This singing closes the service.) 

Clara J. Denton, 



THE STORY OF THANKSGIVING. 

CHARACTERS. 

Eight Children— four boys and four girls. 

Scene. — An ordinary parlor, with the children sitting 
or standing near the back of the room. 



First Girl steps a little in advance of the others and 
speaks,— 

O, the fading, dying year 

Doffs his robes, grows gray and sere^ 
Dried leaves rustle at our tread, 
Grass is withered, flowers are dead. 



u 



134 THE STORY OF THANKSGIVING. 

Boy steps forward and speaks. — 

But our barns are brimming over, 
Full of hay and sun-dried clover, 
Bins and store-house once again 
Groan with heaps of golden grain. 

All speak. — 

He who hath these blessings sent, 

In His mercy, surely meant 

That, with hearts grown warm and tender, 

All our thanks to Him we'd render. 

First Girl. — 

Thanks to Him, who from above 
Bendeth down to us in love. 

Second Girl. — 

Heareth every whispered prayer. 

Third Girl. — 

Keepeth us with tender care. 

All speak. — 

Now to Heaven our prayers ascend. 
Saviour, Master, Father, Friend. 

Girls. — 

"Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving," 

Psa. cxlvii, 7. 
Boys. — 

" In everything give thanks." I Thes. v, 18. 

All speaky hands clasped, looking up,-^ 
O, our Master, Maker, now 
Aid us while we lowly bow. 



THE STORY OF THANKSGIVING. 135 

WVile to Thee we humbly pray, 
^eip us keep Thanksgiving Day. 

Girls, — 

" Enter into His gates with thanksgiving." 

Psa. c, 4. 
Boys. — 

" Thanksgiving and honor be to our God." 

Rev. vii, 12. 
Second Girl. — 

O, many a festal day we keep, 
As the seasons come and go, 
And some are bright with summer flowers, 
Some white with the winter snow. 

All— 

But never a fairer one, I ween, 
Than Thanksgiving Day is ever seen. 

First Boy. — 

Then east and west, then north and south, 

There's a sound of hurrying feet. 
As all the dear ones near and far. 

Around the home hearth meet. 

All— 

What matter to them that cold winds blow. 
Or the air is thick with the falling snow ? 

All the Boys. — 

Whatever our creed, or what our faith. 
All the Girls. — 

Or the God to whom we pray. 
Boys. — 

Pagan or Christian, 



136 THE STORY OF THANKSGIVING. 

Girls.— J 

Moslem or Jew, 
All— 

We can all keep Thanksgiving Day, 

In the crowded marts, or the lonely woods, 

For this is a feast of brotherhood. 

Third Girl— 

Have I heard or read in some legend old 

Why the first Thanksgiving was kept ? 
Or is it a dream that came to me, 

Once, while I dreaming slept ? 

Third Boy.— 

Ah, no ! 'tis a story we all have heard. 

If you look to the long dead years. 
On. the early pages of history 

You will see where that tale appears. 

Third Girl— 

Tell me the story. Well I like 

These legends old to hear, 
And to this page of history 
I'll lend a willing ear. 

Fourth Boy. — 

Over the sea is a quaint old town, 

And from there one autumn day, 
Centuries back, a white-winged ship 

Went slowly sailing away. 

AU the Boys and First, Second, and Fourth Girh."^ 
We seem to see e'en now, . s we gaze 
Down the years so faded and dim, 
The strong-limbed, sturdy old Puritans, 
And the maidens so fair and prim. 



THE STORY OF THANKSGIVING. 137 

Fourth Boy. — 

Days came and went, suns rose and set, 

And the autumn time was gone, 
Before their tired, sea-strained eyes 

The brown earth looked upon. 

But at last in the early winter time 

Was euded their weary w^ay, 
For they rounded a sandy headland, 

And found a sheltered bay. 

All the Boys. — 

There the ship lay fast at her moorings, 

And the sky was black as death, 
While a wind from the north came swirling down 

With its icy, frozen breath. 

First Boy, — 

The wintry sea, all wild and rough, 

Around and behind them lay. 
And landward, far as the eye could see, 

The low hills stretched aw^ay. 

Second Boy. — 

Never a steeple crowned them, then, 

No curling, friendly smoke. 
But pines with wind -tossed tassels. 

Bare maples, birch, and oak. 

Third Boy.— 

Then the walls of the Mayflower's cabin 

A wonderful picture saw. 
As on bended knees the stern men vowed 

God's word should be their law. 



I3» THE STORY OF THANXSGIVINO. 

Boys. — 

'* They entered into an oath, to walk in God's law." 

Neh. X, 29. 
Girls, — 

"I delight in the law of God." Eom. vii, 22. 

All— 

" Christ is the end of thq law." Kom. x, 4. 

First, Second, and Fourth Girls speak. — 
And now for their chosen leader, 
John Carver, so kind, we see. 

All the Boys,— 

While stout Miles Standish, with sword in hand, 
Was the chief of the company. 

Fourth Boy, — 

And then the men on the wooded shore, 

In spite of the lurking foe, 
Builded a stout log cabin, 

To shelter them from the snow. 

Girls speak. — 

O, wild and bitter the icy blast ! 
Boys speak. — 

O, white was the driving snow ! 
AIL— 

O, woe to the people of Plymouth town, 
That winter of long ago ! 

First Girl. — 

At last when under the pines' green plumea 
They plucked the blossoms of May, 



THE STORY OF THANKSGIVING. 139 

Under the starting spring-time grass 
Half of their number lay. 

Acl ihe Girls. — 

Yet never a man among them, 

Never a maid you'd find, 
Who longed, like the Israelites of old, 

For the land they had left behind. 

First Boy. — 

Within the soil they sowed the seed, 
First Girl. — 

God gave them sun and rain, 

All— 

And autumn found their barns well filled 
With loads of golden grain. 

Second Girl. — 

And then the Puritan fathers all 

Said, as with one accord, 
It is meet that we set apart a day 

To give thanks to our gracious Lord. 

fourth Girl. — 

And the little Puritan maidens 

Put by their sober play, 
And each in her prettiest meeting-gown 

Helped keep Thanksgiving Day. 

Girls. — 

And then to show how they honored the Lord, 

With the first fruits of the land, 
They bid to the feast the savage chief 

And all of his heathen band. 



140 THE STORY OF THANKSGIVING. 

AIL— 

'' The first fruits also of thy corn, of thy wine, and 
of thy oil, and the first fruit of the fleece of thy sheep, 
shalt thou give him." Deut. xviii, 4. 

First Girl. — - 

" Go forth," cried Governor Bradford, 

" Go into the forest and field, 
And while the good wives shall bake and brew. 
Let the men their matchlocks wield." 

First Boy,— 

Bring us the geese and turkeys. 

Let your game-bags be brimming o'er, 
And we'll make such a feast as the heathen folk 
Never hath seen before. 

Second Oirl.— 

O, never a feast like that was spread, 

The tables were heaped up high. 
Fish from the streams, game from the woods, 

Brown loaves and pumpkin pie. 

Second Boy. — • 

At last, when it all was ended. 

In their paint and feathers gay, 
Slow marching homeward one by one, 
The Indians went their way. 

Oirk.-^ 

The glitt'ring stars came peeping out. 

The round-faced moon looked calmly down, 
Boys. — 

And peace and quiet softly fell 

Around the walls of Plymouth town. 



I 



THE LAUREL WREATH. 141 

An,— 

0, Puritan bold and Indian brave 

To dust liave moldered away, 
For the years have slipj^ed into centuries 

Since that first Thanksgiving Day, 

But whatever else to oblivion's stream 

Old Time so swiftly bears, 
We'll keep the days our fathei^ kept, 

And hallowed with their prayers. 

And each year when the dying autumn time 

Shall steal Earth's fiowers away, 
Like the men of old, together we'll meet • 

And keep Thanksgi^^Lng Day. 

Lizzie M. Hadlet. 



THE LAUREL WREATH. 

(For WasMiigton's BirtiLday.) 

CHARACTERS. 

Three Girls. Ten Boys. 

T^i^ girl should hang a picnire of Washington upon the wall. 

A frame -work of wire may be placed around it. and on this each boy is 
to place his leaf, so that when completed, the portrait shall be sur- 
rounded by a wreath of laurel. A red and blue shield should be be- 
neath it, and beneath this a red oblong. Upon this and the shield should 
De placed in white or silver letters and figures the date of birth. 

The leaves may be of stiff green cardboard, and the letters of silyer. 

All Sing. Tune : Sail to the Chief,— 

SYSG of the one now whose birthday we're keeping, 
Let all our voices ring out clear and strong, 
What though he lies now all dreamlessly sleeping, 
Welcome his birthday with paens of song. 



142 THE LAUREL WREATH. 

Think what he's done for us ; 

All that he's won for u. ; 

Given us liberty, country, and horn©, 

O, let us sing agam, 

Shout out our glad refrain, 

Sing, let our minster be heaven's blue dome, 

First Girl. — 

This pictured senablance, see, I brings 
Of him whose praises now you sing, 
His name is 'graved on history's page, 
Our pi^triot, chieftain, statesman, sage. 

Boys. — ^ 

Now for this picture fair, of thine, 
A laurel wreath, behold, well twine. 
Leaf after leaf we'll put in place 
Around our hero's honored face. 

Of battles fought and victories won^ 
Of all the mighty deeds he's done. 
Each leaf shall tell the simple story. 
And help to keep alive his glory. 

First Soy.— 

Behold, the lesif I bring shall he 
The symbol aye for liberty. 

AIL--- What is its &torv ? 

First Boy. — 

Ah ! full well 

Its simple tale to you 'twill tell. 

Look back ; before your wondering eyes 

The children of the past shall rise ; 



THE LAUREL WREATH. 



143 



See, 'mong the host that hurry by 
The manly boy who dareci not lie. 
Now graven on this leaf wich care 
First letter of his name I bear. 

Second Boy. — 

With this, my leaf, plucked from Fame's tree. 
That fearless boy a man I see, 
Through trackless forests, dark and dim, 
Through storm and .^.ood, I follow him ; 
Through summer's heat and winter snows. 
Beset by lurking savage foes. 
Sure as the river seaward flows, 
Wherever duty calls he goes. 

Third Boy — 

And now, behold in Boston town, 

The clouds of war come settling down. 

She trembles 'neath the tyrant's sway, 

And red-coats throng her streets by day. 

But, hist ! night comes, and down each street 

The muffled tramp of myriad feet, 

With morn upon the heights, I see 

File after file of musketry. 

The city's safe. Far down the bay 

The baffled red-coats sail away. 

To him who saved us in that hour. 

Who helped to break the tyrant's power, 

Who changed to smiles our tears of grief, 

Marked with an S, I bring this leaf. 

Fourth Boy. — 

Now, ^vhat is this before my eyes, 
T.'ike some strange vision seems to rise? 



144 THE LAUREL WREATH. 

The roar of cannon greets my ears, 
And Trenton's battlefield appears. 
O, see the wounded, dead, and dying, 
And now the fierce invaders flying. 
Lo ! Now this leaf I'll place for thee, 
Thou who didst gain the victory. 

Fifth Boy,— 

Behold, the fifth leaf now appears, 
And down through all long dim years 
I look, and almost think I see 
Old Princeton's field of victory. 

Sixth Boy. — 

And now I come, and with me bring 
This leaf, my humble offering, 
You may not see, ah, well for you. 
The sights that with it meet my view. 
Sad Valley Forge, that time of dread, 
When all our hopes seem lost or dead. 
When cold and hunger seemed to be 
The only fruit on Freedom's tree. 
'Twas then this man, and he alone, 
Sustained our courage with his own. 

Seventh Boy. — 

Another leaf I bring, and see. 
Upon its face the letter G. 
It tells of days of warfare passed, 
Of bloody Monmouth won at last. 

Eighth Boy, — 

This leaf shall surely tell the story 
Of many a deed of fame and glory. 



THE LAUREL WREATH. 145 

O, graven on it there I see, 

Full many a fight for liberty. 

Cowpens and Eutaw Springs — yes, more — 

What need to name them — all are o'er, 

And so this leaf I'll put in place. 

With T emblazoned on its face. 

Kinth Boy. — 

My leaf shall tell of that old town, 
Of all our loss and gain, the crown, 
How from its gates, one autumn day 
We sent the British troops away. 
Yorktown ! Now in this leaf 1 see 
Our country from the invaders free. 

Tenth Boy.— 

Last leaf of all, our work is done, 
Now read its letters one by one, 
And there in silver lines you'll find 
The greatest name among mankind 
The rest are stars, he is the sun. 
Our wise, our honored 

All— WASHINGTON. 

First Girl. — 

Upon this shield, that's just beneath 
The green leaves of your laurel wreath^, 
I place the month he came to earth. 

Second OirL — 

And I the day that gave him birth. 

Third Girl.— 

And just beneath appears in view 
The year, old 1732. 
10 



146 THE QUEST OF THE THKEE KINGS. 

Boys and Girls. — 

O year I O month ! O glorious day I 
As long as time shall be, for aye 
We'll keep, till earth its course has run, 
The birthday of our Washington. 

Lizzie M. Hadley. 



THE QUEST OF THE THREE KINGS. 

(For Christmas.) 



Scene I. 

A large room, as richly furnished as possible, with hanging draperies 
On the right on an elevated, draped seat, Herod in purple and crimson 
t^bes, with gilt crown and sceptre Lower seats in centre, the three. 
Kings, one dark with Egyptian head tire ; one old, gorgeously dressed a? 
an East Indian ; one young, fair-haired, in Gallic dress. 

On left, facing Herod, on low seats, a number of Rabbis, with rolls 
in their hands ; costumes copied from Holman's picture of ** Christ in 
the Temple." Behind Herod, his guards dressed as Roman soldiers. 

Herod (to Rabbis), — Attend my words and listen. 

From your schools 
I summoned you. The whole of this my land 
Is much amazed. Jerusalem is moved. 
(Pointing to Kings.) These Kings, these sages from the 

East, have come 
Asking for Juda's King. When led to me 
They said they sought an infant ; that a star 
Had led them from far lands to find the King 
Of all Judea. I would help their quest. 
(Pointing to the rolls.) Look in your sacred writinga 5 

answer me : 
Where shall the Christ be born ? For no less King 
Would new stars shine. 



THE QUEST OF THE THREE KINGS, 147 

First Rabbi (hesitating), — A new star in the sky 1 
Pardon, great Herod ; this requires time. 
And we would ask, Where, when, and how the star 
Appeared to them ? 

Herod (^impatient).— Well J ask them. They can tell. 
First Rabbi (to Kings). — Most noble sirs, be pleased 
to speak to us, 
And tell us when and where ye saw the star. 

Balthazar, the old King (rising). — For near a hun- 
dred years I watched the stars, 
In hope of some new hope for dying men. 
One night I looked — far shining in the west 
Shone a new star, so bright it seemed all joy, 
All life for me was there. I followed it 
Long months across the desert. Tell me, where, 
Where shall I find the King that star foretells. 
Oh ! tell me quickly. 

[A hidden choir, faint, as if far away, are heard singing, 
" Hail to the Lord's anointed. 
Great David's greater Son,'' etc.^] 
Herod (turning to guards angrily). — Captain of my 
guards. 
Silence those people quickly. 

ITwo of the guards go out on right, and return after 
awhile.'] 
Gaspard (the young King, rtsm^).— Scarce more than 
boy, I held my father's throne. 
But longed for higher power, wider range. 
Then shone a new star on the horizon's rim. 
It shone, it rose in majesty above 
All stars, and then I knew that I had found 
A King all kings might worship. So in speed 

♦ Any other appropriate Christmas hyran can be substituted for this one. 



148 THE QUEST OF THE THREE KINGS. 

I gave my realm into my uncle's care, 
And ha,sted to depart, twelve months ago. 
[^Singing outside: 
" He comes with succor speedy 
To those who suffer wrong.'''] 

Herod (^sternly, to guard), — -Did I not bid you silence 

those without ? 
Captain (^bowing and apologizing).-— Ye^j, noble King> 
but we could find without 
No singers. 

Herod {angrily). — Look again. Go take your swords, 
And use them to good purpose. Do you hear ? 

Melchior (the dark King, rising). ~1 sought for wisdom, 
read each ancient scroll. 
I spent whole nights in study. As I watched 
Orion and the seven stars arise, 
I turned, and lo ! a new Star rose and shone. 
I knew the time had come ; the King was born. 
I hasted on to worship at His throne. 
Ten months I Ve journeyed o'er the desert waste. 
[^kSong as before : 
" He shall come doivn like showers 
Upon the fruitful earth'''] 
Guards (to each other, apart). — What shall we do ? 
Herod will take our heads 
If this goes on. 

Herod (haughtily to i?a66is).— Have ye no answer yet? 

{To Kings) They're gaining time to hide their ignorance. 

First Rabbi (to Second).— Open the scroll. Isaiah will 

reply. 
Second Rabbi (to First.) — Nay ! 'Tis in Micah. 
[Rabbis open scrolls and pore over themJ^ 



THE QUEST OF THE THREE KINGS. 149 

Third RahhL — Sure, Jerusalem 

Should be the honored place. 

Fourth Rahhi, — He shall be called 

A Nazarene. 

Fifth Rahhi {thoughtfully). — We know the Christ 
must come 
Of David's root. 

Sixth Rahhi {emphatically). — And, therefore, Bethle- 
hem 
Must be His birthplace. 

Seventh Rahhi {courteously). — Some have thought, in* 
deed, 
Thyself, great Herod, should Messiah be. 

Herod {mollified.)— Thsit's far more likely. None of 
David's race 
Are left, that I can find. 

First Rahhi {to Second, apart.) — If they were found 
They would not live too long. 

Sixth Rahhi {rising and reading from scroll), — These 
are the words : 
*' Oh ! Bethlehem, Ephratah, not the least 
Art thou among the tribes of Israel ; 
For out of thee shall come the Governor 
To rule my people, and His going forth 
Is to eternity." 

Herod {turning to Kings). — From Bethlehem ! 
Go, then, my friends. I send a guide with you. 
Be not discouraged ; diligently search, 
And bring me word again, that I may come 
And pay Him homage also. Yea, indeed, 
Judea's baby King shall have a gift 
From Herod. 

{Turning and speaking to himself) A sharp sword, a 
small, deep grave, 



150 Long ago. 

And that right speedily, I promise you. 
[_The Kings rise, bowing. ~\ 
Gaspard. — We thank your kindness, and will not 
delay. 
[ The Kings go out on left Herod and Rahhis rising, '\ 
Belthazar {pointing). — The Star ! the Star again ! 
Melchior. — Behold the Star ! ( They pass on,) 

Herod (to Rabbis, fiercely). — See that ye stand by 
none who seek my throne, 
David or Child Messiah. Ye might meet 
Swift punishment. (Rabbis bow silently,) 

( Voices of Kings outside), — It is the Star ! Haste ! 

haste ! 
(Herod comes to left, passes haughtily the bowing Rab" 
bis, looks up and around, and mutters discontentedly). — ► 
What Star ? I see no other stars than those 
That always shine. What do those wise men see? 
I can see nothing. 

\_Faint and far off the song is heard : 

" To Him shall prayer unceasing, 
And daily song asGendJ^~\ 

E. Murray. 



LONG AGO. 

(For Decoration Day.) 



Notes.— This programme may be lengthened by the addition of appro- 
priate music between the pieces. 

The backgrounds or settings for the scenes and tableaux will render 
them more effective, but are not indispensable ; a plain screen or curtain 
at the back will answer if a more elaborate screen is not easily pro* 
curable. 

It is recommended that the readings and recitations be given from the 
audience room or on the stage in front of the curtain, in order to leav© the 
siage to those who are preparing the scene soon lo follow. 



LONG AGO. 151 

Columbia should be dressed in white, with a blue mantle draped over 
the shoulder, her hair flowing or twisted in a Grecian coil, bound with a 
fillet of ribbon or a gold band. 

No. VI, " Side by Side,'' is by Fanny C. Osgood ; No. VII, " The Army 
of Knitters," and No. XI, " Flowers for the Brave," are anonymous ; No, 
VIII, " Lullaby," is by E. J. Cutler. 

As music for the Lullaby, the tune by J. Barnly, called " Emmelar," 
in some collections, is suggested; also a '* Cradle Hymn," by Emily 
Bruce, in her collection of *' Six Songs," published by S. Brainard's 
Sons, Cleveland. In the latter the last line of the music must be re- 
peated. Both tunes will need slight adaptations to fit the words. 

I. 

To Arms ! 

[Columbia advances, bearing the nations flag, A drum 

sounds ; ivhen it stops she speaks.'] 

TO arms! 
From your homes on the seashore and hillside come 
forth, 
And do battle for freedom, ye men of the North ! 
'Tis your country that calls you ; stand ready to fight 
For her honor and glory, her laws and the right. 

New England, remember your own Bunker Hill, 
And show that the blood of the fathers runs still 
In the veins of their children ; your minute-men's son* 
Must win other Concords and New Lexingtons. 

Pennsylvania, the peaceful, and gallant New York, 
*Tis no pastime awaits you, but terrible work ! 
From counter and workshop, and quarry and mill, 
Send men — men of energy, daring, and wdll. 

Give your youth in its strength and its glory, O We^ 
Your fairest and dearest, your bravest and best ! 
From lakeshore and prairie respond to the call, 
To arms I for your country has need of you all ! 



J 52 LONG AGO. 

To arms ! for your freedom itself is at stake ! 
Who is ready to perish for liberty's sake ? 
Yoii will slumber, perhaps, in a nameless grave, 
But the nation will honor her unknown brave. 

Death comes to every man, early or late- 
Do you falter and shrink from a patriot's fate? 
Listen ! you know 'tis your country's call, 
And your country trusts in vou — each and all 1 
To arms ! 

II. 

[^Reading.'] 

Thus our country cried, 

And brave hearts from every side, 

From seashore and mountain home, 

From prairie and valley and hill, 

From forge and furrow and mill, 

Made answer : " We're ready ! we come I^ 

III. 

Forward. 

I Tableau and reading. The baehground represents a 
country kitchen. Tableau a. A young soldiery in 
his uniform, clasps to his breast a girl whose face i$ 
hidden on his shoulder."] 

O loved and lover, link your hands 

And let your lips responsive meet. 

Your hearts once more together beat, 

For life is young and love is sweet. , 



LONG AGO. 15b 

[Tableau h. The young soldier has started to gOy hut holds 
her right hand in his right, and looks at her. Her 
face is turned from him, and she holds a handkerchief 
to her eyes ivith her left hand,'] 

Then, lover, loose your circling arm, 
And take again your sterner life ; 
Through fire and blood your pathway leads 
To peaceful home and happy wife. 

I Tableau c. The young soldier at some distance from 
the girl makes a gesture of farewell. She, kneeling 
in the foreground, stretches out her arms to Aim.] 

And maiden, let your soldier go ; 

Look through the mist of falling tears, 

See far beyond your doubts and fears 

The life-long joy of coming years. 

[_Tableau d. The girl, still kneeling, buries her face in 
her hands. The young soldier gazes upward and raises 
his hand, as if imploring a blessing,'] 

Marching On. 

l^Song, with chorus of men^s voices, the more the better. 

Tune : " John Brown^s Body.''^'] 
Hail, thou blessed banner, shining out against the sky, 
Beneath thy stars to conquer, or beneath thy stripes to 

die. 
We go forward unto battle ; let us shout our baitl^cry. 

Chorus. — As we go marching on, 

On for liberty and union ! 
On for liberty and union ! 
On for liberty and union ! 
Hip, hip, hip, hurrah! 



154 LONG AGO. 

Shout aloud, my comrades, let us sing our songs whil© 

yet 
The sword is in its scabbard, and the flashing bayonet 
Shows still no stain of battle, by foemen's blood unwet. 
For we are marching on ! 

— Chorus, 

Shout aloud, my comrades, even louder than before, 
The time is coming shortly when the song shall be no 

more, 
Smothered into stillness by the cannon's mighty roar, 
For we are marching on ! 

— Chorus. : 

Victory shall be ours, and when you and I are old. 
Sitting by our firesides in the evenings long and cold. 
Well sing again this chorus, and our children shall b© 
told 

How we went marching on ! 

— Chorus. 

If I fall, let those who lay me in my low and narrow 

bed 
Sing the song that we are singing, pile the earth above 

my head. 
Leave a silent benediction for the soldier that is dead^ 
And then go marching on I 

— Chorus. 

All sing. — 

So we go marching, marching along, 
Shoulder to shoulder, the dauntless, young, and strong, 
Binging all together the chorus of a song. 
As we go marching on 1 



LONG AGO. 155 

On for liberty and union ! 
On for liberty and union ! 
On for liberty and union I 
Hip, hip, hip, hurrah 1 

V. 

[^Reading J] 

So, as if to a tournament, 
Into the jaws of death they went. 
How many fell in the fiery track ! 
How few knew aught of a coming back I 

VI. 

Side by Side. 

[^Reading or Hecitation.'] 

Side by side on their pillow soft 

Two fair heads lie at rest ; 
While the mother heart broods tenderly 

As a bird o'er its hidden nest ; 
And the low sun sends in lovingly 

Its last warm beams from the west. 

Side by side on the battle-field, 

While a wan moon pales in the sky, 

Clad in colors of North and South, 
In a dreamless sleep they lie ; 

And the distant cries of a lonely bird 
From the marshes float and die. 

Side by side in the hospital 
Two fair heads lie at rest ;, 



156 LONG AGO. 

While a mother murmurs amid her tears— 

" Father, thou knowest best !" 
And the low sun shines in lovingly 

Through the windows looking wesL 

VII. 

The Army of Knitters. 

£Scene and Recitation. The background represents a 
modest parlor. A number of women, old and young, 
are seated, all knitting stockings. One of them re^dies.^ 
Far away in your camps by the storied Potomac, 
f Where your lances are lifted for liberty's weal, 
As the north wind comes down from the hills of the 
home land. 
Say, catch ye the clash of our answering steel ? 

Our hands are untrained to the touch of the rifle, 

They shrink from the blade that grows red in the fight; 
But their womanly weapons leap keen from their sheath- 
ing, 
And the work that they find they will do with their 
might. 

Your host that stands marshaled in solemn battalions 
Beaeath the dear flag of the stripes and the stars, 

Hath as loyal a counterpart here at our hearthstones 
As ever went forth to the brunt of the wars ! 

We rouse to the rescue ! We're mustered in thousands 1 
We may not march on in the face of the foe ; 

Yet, while ye shall tramp to the sound of the battle, 
Foot to foot we'll keep pace wheresoever ye go ! 



LONG AGO. 157 

Ay, soul unto soul we are knitted together ! 

By link upon link in one purpose we're bound ! 
God mete us the meed of our common endeavor, 

And our diflering deeds with one blessing be crowned ! 

YIII. 
Lullaby. 

[Song.-] 

tfow the twilight shadows flit, now the evening lamp is 
lit: 

Sleep, baby, sleep ! 
LJttle head on mother's arm, she will keep him safe 
from harm, 

Keep him safe and fold him warm : 
Sleep, baby, sleep ! 

Baby's father, far away, thinks of him at shut of day : 

Sleep, baby, sleep ! 
•He must guard the sleeping camp, hearkening, in the 
cold and damp, 

For the foeman's stealthy tramp : 
Sleep, baby, sleep ! 

No^ the eyes are closing up : let their little curtains 
drop: 

Sleep, baby, sleep ! 
Softly on his father's bed mother lays her baby's head ; 
There, until the night be fled, 
Sleep, baby, sleep ! 

Grod, who dries the widow's tears, God, who calms the 
orphan's fears. 

Guard baby's sleep ! 



158 LONG AGO. 

Shield the father in the fray ; help the mother wait and 
pray; 

Keep us all by night and day •. 
Sleep, baby, sleep I 

IX. 

Coming Home. 

[^Reading or Recitation^ 

Is it thus, my soldier, that you come 

Back to those who watched for you at home? 

No quick footstep on the stair, 

No light laughter on the air, 

No fond phrasing of my name 

Told me that my lover came ! 
No — a noise of wheels upon the street. 
Then a tramping as of many feet, 
Something heavy on the parlor floor — 
Then a dreadful whisper — nothing more ! 

I had hoped, beloved, for your sake. 
Other clothes than these black weeds to mafe. 
How my cheeks, two years ago, 
Blushed at what you whispered low, 
How I trembled, joy oppressed. 
As you clasped me to your breast ! 
When the nation called her loyal sons. 
You were ready with the foremost ones ; 
So with prayers and tears I let you go, 
Knowing it was right, and must be so. 

After you were gone the dreary day 
Loitered, weeping on its weary way ; 



LONG AGO. 159 

Two more days were just the same. 

On the next your letter came ; 

How much life and love and hope 

Folded in that envelope ! 
It was like a triumph all along, 
People flocked to greet you, throng on throng, 
Men hurrahed till they were hoarse with cheers^ 
Women gave you blessings, flowers, and tears. 

After many days of anxious pain, 
When we feared the worst, we heard agdin : 
You had been quite ill, you said. 
Even then you wrote in bed, 
'Twas a cold you caught in camp, 
Sleeping where the ground was damp. 
In a fortnight's time there came tc me 
This last letter, written hastily — 
" Orders are received, we march to-night, 
By to-morrow w^e shall have a fight." 

Oh, brave heart and loyal, beating high, 
Proudly you went forward — but to die! 

Oh, the dark, disastrous night ! 

Oh, the fearful, fatal sight, 

When the morning's mellow light 

Shone upon that bloody fight ! 
^ Wrap him in the flag for which he died, 
Cover up the death wounds in his side, 
Bear him hence," they said, and as they spoke 
Deep-drawn sighs from manly bosoms broke. 

Oh, mine own beloved, would that I 
Could have fallen when you fell, to lie 



160 LONG AGO. 

Still and pulseless by your side, 

All life's tumults pacified ! 

That we two might hand in hand 

Go unto the silent land. 
God in heaven, help me, and forgive ! 
Teach Thy weak, woe-weary child to live ; 
Strengthen with Thy strength, Almighty One? 
Even so, O Lord, Thy will be done 1 

X. 

Long Ago. 

{Reading or Recitation^ 

O ye who read the record of the years, 

In times of peace, how can you even know 
What war is like ? The daily hopes and fears. 
The cruel frenzy and the burning tears. 
The pain and passion of that long ago ? 

Only by war can war's sad tale be told ; 

Pray heaven the story you may never know ^ 
Think of the dear ones in your own home-fold, 
Believe that life was sweet in days of old, 

And count the sacrifice of long ago. 

Years pass — the green earth shows no battle stain^ 

On fields once red with blood wild roses blow ; 
A nation's children sing one glad refrain — 
Thank God for peace ! And thank Him yet again 
For all the loyal hearts of long ago I 



LONG AGO. 161 

XI. 

Flowers for the Brave. 

[Scene and Recitation. The background represents a 
wood-scene, with a white cross and some other memo- 
rial stones among the trees. A procession of soldiers 
and citizens bearing flags, and women and children 
with flowers. They form a group, and a young gir^ 
recites.] 

Here bring your purple and gold, 

Glory of color and scent ; 
Scarlet of tulips bold, 

Buds blue as the firmament. 

Hushed is the sound of the fife, 

And the bugle piping clear ; 
The vivid and delicate life 

In the soul of the youthful year. 
We bring to the quiet dead, 

With a gentle and tempered grief; 
O'er the mounds so mute we shed 

The beauty of blossom and leaf. 

The flashing swords that were drawn, 

No rust shall their fame destroy ! 
Boughs rosy as rifts of dawn, 

Like the blush on the cheek of joy ; 
Kich fires of the gardens and meads, 

We kindle these hearts above ! 
What splendor can match their deeds ? 

What sweetness can match our love ? 
11 



162 THE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS. 

XII. 

E Pluribus Unum. 

I To be sung by all present ; the group remaining on the 
stage f and the audience standiiig. Tune, ^'AmericaJ'J 

Oar country, unto thee — 
Now saved, united, free — 

Our song is given ! 
Thy States henceforward stand 
Like sisters, hand in hand, 
A strong aud happy band. 

Beloved of Heaven ! 

War's desperate day is past, 
And peace prevails at last 

From shore to shore. 
In freedom's glorious might 
The North and South unite 
For liberty and right, 

One evermore ! 

Mrs. L. a. Bradbury. 



THE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS. 

a new YEAR'S drama. 



CHARACTERS. 

Father Time, The 'Nisw Ykar, 

Old Year, Months, 

New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, 

February 22d, April Fool's Day, 

Easter, May Day, 

Dbcoration Day, Fourth op July, 

Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. 



THE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS. 163 

Father Time, the New Year, the Old Year, and the three winter 
months should be dressed in white. Wings covered with white cotton 
should be fastened to Time's shoulders, and he should hold an hour-glass 
in his hand. March should wear a brown suit with patches of white 
cotton to represent snow. April should dress in green and brown. May 
and the three summer months, in green. September in red. Octob kr in 
yellow, and November in brown. Valentine's dress should have hearts 
and arrows sewed on it. February 22d should carry a hatchet. April 
1st should wear a dunce cap. Easter should dress in white and wear a 
wreath of lilacs. May Day should wear a wreath of spring flowers. 
Decoration Day should be dressed in blue. Fourth of July should 
carry a small flag, a toy-pistol, and a bunch of fire crackers. Thanks- 
giving should be dressed as a Puritan maiden, and Christmas Day 
should be dre-sed in white, and wear a wreath of holly. In the tableau 
the New Year should stand near the centre, Time should be just behind 
him, and the Months and Holidays kneel in a semicircle around him. 

Father Time- 

THE years come in and the years go out, 
Flitting away to the past, 
And the golden grains in the glass I hold 

Are dropping so sure and fast. 
One moment is here, the next it is gone, 

And can never return to me, 
But 111 find each one, the good and the bad, 

On the shores of eternity. 
[^Turns to the Old Year, who goes out while a bell ring^ 
twelve.~\ 
Farewell, Old Year ! to the unknown shore 

You pass, for your work is done. 
All hail, New Year ! you are joyful now. 

For your reign is but just begun. 
So I see each year go starting out, 

With never a care or sorrow, 
It knows no cloudy yesterdays, 

Hope paints a bright to-morrow. 
Too soon, alas ! life's petty cares 

Will check your spirit's flow. 



164 THE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS. 

Your form will bend, your bright eye dim. 

Your step grow weak and slow. 
No word of mine can change your fate, 

O careless, happy year ! 
So with the rest who greet you now, 

Time bids you welcome here, 

N'ew Year, — ^ 

Why should I sadden the day, good friend. 

By croaking about to-morrow ? 
Troubles will come of their own accord, 

So why should I seek to borrow ? 
Nay, 111 do God's will what'er may come, 

No duty or work forgetting, 
Life is too short, and my reign too brief 

To spend any time in fretting. 
Yet thanks for your warning, Father Time, 

And thanks for your welcome, too, 
But where are those who should meet me here. 

My friends, and my subjects, true ? 

f Enter Months and Holidays, singing. Air, YanTcee 
Doodle,"] 

Here we come, thy subjects true. 

Marching all together, 
Ev'ry one thy face would view. 

Care not for the weather. 
Winter winds may loudly blow, 

Snow flakes thick come flying. 
Greet we all the glad New Year, 

While the old one's dying. 



THE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS. 163 

All recite. — 

This is the song we've come to sing, 

And this our greeting, " Long live the King !" 

JiJ'ew Year, — - 

I am glad to meet you, friends. It warms my 
heart to find I have such true and loyal subjects. I 
should like to know your names. 

January, — 

I am January, one of Time's children, 

Together we dance and sing. 
While the old earth whirls beneath us, 

And we bring you our gifts, great King^ 
There's a clangor of bells in the steeples. 

There is mirth and merriment gay, 
As I come like an army with banners, 

With my gift, a New Year's Day. 

I have thirty- one children, bright, rosy darlings. A. 
little rough, maybe, but their hearts are all right. This 
is my oldest child. She is called New Year's Day. 
Come, my dear, sing his Majesty the little song you 
have learned. 

New Year's Day sings. Air : Tm Called Little Butter- 
cup, — 
I'm called happy New Year's Day, dear happy New 
Year's Day. 
My welcome never is cold. 
I'm always called New Year's Day, happy New Yearns 
Day, 
Day that can never grow old. 



166 THE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS. '• 

All — 

She's always called New Year's Day, 
Happy New Year's Day, 
Day that can never grow old. 

January, — 

Yes, she's such a merry child, every one calls hei 
"Happy New Year." No matter how cloudy the 
weather, she carries sunshine wherever she goes. 

Months. — 

O many pretty customs of New Year's Day we'd tell, 
But first, we're always careful to end the old one well. 
And when the new one cometh 

Our pretty gifts we send 
With pleasant words of greeting 
To many a distant friend. 

Holidays, — 

There is something else of New Year's Day, 

O King, that you ought to know ; 
'Tis then resolutions are started 

That never have time to grow. 
No wonder, O blithe New Year, 

You are hanging down your head, 
I should think it would make 

Your lily-white cheeks change to a rosy red. 

New Years Day. — 

Yes, my cheeks grow red as a rose in June, 

For I'm sure it is very sad 
For any one with a grain of sense 

To be so silly and bad. 



-] THE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS. 16T 

They think they can wander at will 

Through the terrible slough of sin, 
And expect to stand on solid ground 

When New Year's Day comes in. 
So they make their good rtsolutions, 

As I start oq my onward way, 
But before a month is over 

They are broken and thrown away, 
'Tis for this that my cheeks grow red, 

For this that I seem less gay, 
'Tis the only blot that mars, O King, 

This happy New Year's Day. 

New Year. — 

Well, friend, we will do our duty whatever others 
may do. Broken resolutions are better than none, for 
they show that the one who makes them wants to be 
wiser and better. So don't look so sad, but try to be 
iirhat your mother calls you, "Happy New Year." 

But I want to know all my subjects. 

[Fehruary steps forward."] 

What is your name, my friend ? 

February. — 

You will see in the bare, brown forest, 

That the frosty air is stirred 
By the sound of fluttering pinions, 

As soon as my name is heard. 
The snow on my feet means winter, 

But the starting buds mean spring. 
I am called the month of February, \ 

And a valentine I bring. 



168 THE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS. 

I have twenty-Dine children, but only twenty-ei^ht 
of them are at home all the time. My youngest child 
is quite a traveler, and is only willing to stay at 
home every fourth year; the rest of the time he is 
gone, no one knows where. This is my daughter Val- 
entine. She is a great favorite, especially among 
young people. 

Valentine. — 

I'm Valentine, and a daughter true, 

I'm here, O King, thy bidding to do. 

I'm named for a saint, yet I don't aspire, 

Like hrni that life should go out in fire. 

Oh, not for this am I here to-day. 

You are starting, O King, but now on your way. 

God gives to you treasures from above, 

And the best and purest of all is love. 

Months, — 

Listen, O King ! 

No song we sing, 

To tell you of Valentine's Day, 

But each lass and each lad 

Is merry and glad 

When Valentine walks this way. 

Holidays. — 

She brings them pretty missives, 

Full of doves and hearts. 
Ribbons tied in love-knots 

And pierced with Cupid's darts. 

February, — 

Yes, my Valentine is a favorite everywhere. 
Why, even the birds chirp a welcome to her. 



THE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS. 169 

FHttmg here and flying there 
O'er the fields so brown and bare. 

But here is my son, February Twenty-second, he has 
come to pay his respects to the New Year. 

February Twenty "Second. — 
f" The nation's sky was overcast, 
x^ And its stars were fading out one by one, 
No light to guide the ship of state, 

Till God from above sent Washington. 
Like the sun he shone in the country's sky, 
And the ship sailed safely upon her way, 
The clouds of war went hurrying by, 

And for this the nation keeps his birthday. 

New Year, — 

My friend, I am truly glad to see you, and to know I 
have such a patriotic subject. May the day be kept as 
long as the world shall stand. But wiio comes here? 
"What noisy fellow is this ? 

March. — 

Down from the highest mountains, 

Where only a bird can soar, 
Sweeping across the meadows, 

I come with a rush and a roar ; 
Yet, spite of the breezy trumpet 

I blow with all my might, 
By a boy March is always welcome, 

For I bring the wind for his kite. 

Kev) Year, — 
Yes, March, the boys all welcome you, and in spite 



170 THE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS. 

of your boisterous ways, I shall be glad to see you, 
for I know you will come to tell me that winter is ovei. 

April— 

You will hear my step on the mountain, 

In valley, on hill and plain. 
As the frozen earth I unlock once more 

With my key of silvery rain. 
I am April, and at my coming 
Every brook begins to sing, 
And out in the budding orchard 
The bluebird's song I bring. 
I have come to greet you, glad New Year, and 
have brought my daughter, April First. 

Holidays, — - 

" April fool, go to school 
And learn your A, B, GJ* 

April (^beginning to cry), — 

That's a silly old rhyme the children say, 

Believe me, great King, no truth is in it. 
O, why should they trouble my daughter dear ? 

I wonder who was first to begin it ? 
I'm sure 'tis a relic of bygone days. 
Of savage customs, and rough, rude ways. 
I hope, O King, that while you rule 
There never will be an " April Fool.'* 

Months, — 

O, for shame, the year is flying, 
* Silly April, and you're crying ; 

Dry your tears and smile again, 
Sunshine's better far than rain. 



THE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS, 171 

New Year,— 

Who is this that comes this way ? 

April. 

That's my daughter, Easter Day, 
Named in honor of that bright 
Oester, goddess fair, of light. 

Easter comes forward,, and the Holidays recite,' — 
She is Easter, fair daughter of April, they say. 
What wonderful legends we've heard of that day ! 
Of yore she was worshiped by prince and by peasant, 
She w^as feasted and feted — of course, that w^as pleasant. 
And now to come down to our own Easter Day, 
You will find every nation is owning her sway, 
As crowned with lilies, dispersing all gloom, 
Each spring-time she tells how Christ rose from the 

tomb. 
So Easter, glad Easter, we welcome you here. 
The brightest and fairest of days o' the year. 

New Year, — 

Welcome, fair Easter! We all welcome thy com- 
ing. Now, w^ho comes dancing this way ? Her happy 
face is like a sunbeam. 



May, — 



I am May, and the gift I bring you 

Is a handful of fragrant flowers. 
That the quaint old proverb tells us 

Spring forth from April showers ; 
So when, on my lowly pillow, 

I feel the April rain, 
I know it is time to be stirring, 

And I start into life again. 



172 THE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS. 

New Year, — 

Welcome, fair May. But who comes with you ? 

May, — 

My daughter, May Day, a fair little lass, whG / 
a fondness for the fields and woods. 

May Day, recited or sung to some lively air.-^ 
Come a-Maying ! Come a-Maying ! 

Little lads and lasses, 
To the woods and meadows come 

Ere the springtime passes. 
Gather all the flowers ye find, 
Hawthorn, cowslip, every kind. 
Weave them into garlands fair, 
Deck each lassie's bonny hair ; 
Choose ye now a queen o' May, 
Dance around the Maypole gay. 

May.— 

These are English customs, your Majesty, but, \n my 
way of thinking, they are pretty ones, that we might 
well follow. 

New Year, — • 

You say truly ; these are pretty customs, but I fear 
we must leave them to our English cousins, for in our 
cold climate the flowers have hardly started when May 
Day comes. Ah ! whom have we here ? 

May. — 

My son, Decoration Day. 



THE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS. 173 

Decoration Day.-— 

When the buds and blossoms of May- 
Whisper to those of June, 
And Nature's feathered songsters 

Are singing their sweetest tune. 
Then you hear the tramp of thousands, 

The muffled roll of drums, 
As from every part of the nation 

An army marching comes. 
They come with no clash of sabres, 

No cries and groans of the dying. 
No terrible roar of cannon, 

And no blood-stained banners flying, 
But their footsteps' measured tread 

Is shaking the solid ground, 
As North and South, the Blue and the Gray, 

Are seeking each lowly mound. 
Where, under the springtime grasses, 

The dreamless soldiers lie. 
And lo ! as they bend above them 

There's many a moistened eye. 
And tears are softly dropping 

Like the silv'ry April showers. 
While from the fragrant load they bear 

They cover each grave with flowers. 
They give to each silent comrade 

The flowers the springtime sends. 
For Decoration Day, the Blue and the Gray, 

Are loving and tender friends. 

New Year. — 

A holy task is thine, O Decoration Day ! See that 
you do it well. Heap high each soldier's grave with 



174 THE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS. 

flowers, and may each blossom whisper a message of 
peace and forgiveness to all. 

[^Decoration Day steps back and June comes Jorward.J 

June, — 

O, gladly the birds all greet me, 

The month they love the best. 
Now, wherever you look, you are sure 

To see a robin's painted breast. 
How the children's faces brighten 

As soon as my name they hear, 
For they know June always brings them 

The longest days in the year. 

New Year,—^ 

Welcome, O rose- crowned month of June ! No won- 
der the children love you and think your sunny days 
are never too long. 

[July comes forward as June steps ba-ck.'] 

July, — 

Ringing of l^lls, and the drums rat-tat, 

Fizz of powder, a dreadful noise! 
Blazing crackers, and pop-guns snapping, 

I am the month for the boys. 
Hours before the summer sun 

Tells that the morning draweth nigh^ 
Each boy is out to welcome the gift 

I bring him— the Fourth of July. 

Here he comes now, my no3#y " Fourth." I think 
111 let him speak for himself 



THE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS. 175 

Fourth of July. — 

*Tis more than a hundred years ago, 

And Freedom's torch was but just alight, 
That a band of sturdy and fearless men 

Met to battle for truth and right. 
Over their heads a great bell swung 
Back and forth, and its resonant tongue 
Seemed to be shouting o'er land and sea, 
The people must and they shall be free. 
No more shall they own a tyrant's sway, 
Then 1 sprang to life — -" Independence Day." 

New Year,— 

Ah, July, you may well feel proud of this brave boy. 
It is such as he that has made our country what it 
is to-day : the foremost one in the world. Don't try 
to keep him too quiet, lest you quench the spirit of 
patriotism he helps to keep alive. 

August comes forward. — 

On every breezy hillside 

There's the patter of little feet, , 

And the ocean's murmur is echoed ' 

By the children's voices sweet. 
The grain grows ripe and golden, 

The grass looks dusty and brow^n. 
As out from August's laden hands 

Ripe fruit comes dropping down. 

New Year. — 

You are a happy month for the children, O hot 
and dusty August, for now the school-house doors are 
closed, and no unwelcome bell tells them it is time 



176 THE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS. 

for school to begin. I hope, as they roam througi 
your woods and fields, you will teach them some ol 
the lessons Mother Nature has written in her book. 

September comes forward. — 

What is the gift I bring you ? 

Only a memory sweet 
Of the time when the summer hours 

Went by with flying feet, 
But playtime now is ended, 

And the silent school-rooms ring 
With sounds that tell you September 

The children homeward bring. 

J^ew Year. — 

Yes, when September comes we must expect tc 
hear the bells ting-a-ling once more. Well, Septem* 
ber, teach the little folks to work as well as play. 

October. — 

There's a purple haze on the mountains, 

The asters are turning brown. 
And the nimble squirrel is busy 

With the nuts the wind drops down. 
Old autumn with frosty fingers 

Has touched the forest leaves, 
And October's busy shuttle 

A wondrous broidery weaves. 

New Year. — 

Well I know when you appear my reign will be 
nearly ended, yet, none the less, here is a welcome tr 
you, frosty October. 



•JHE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS. ITI' 

November, — 

And now the days grow shorter, 

The fields look bare and brow^n, 
4.nd thick and fast the snowflakes 

Krom the gray sky flutter dow^n. 
But cheerier burn the fires, 

While the happy children play, 
For the gift November brings you 

Is a glad '* Thanksgiving Day." 

Here she comes, my Puritan daughter. What have 
Jrou to say to the New Year, Thanksgiving ? 

Thanhsgiving Day, — 
I've only come to tell him my simple story. 

New Year, — 
I shal] be glad to hear it. 

Thanhsgiving Day. — 

'Twas a brave little band of Puritans 

That settled in Plymouth town. 
And they said w^hen the leaves were falling 

And the grass growing rusty and brow^n, 
We have garnered a wonderful harvest, 

Thanks to our gracious Lord, 
Let us praise Him by setting apart a day 

To thank Him with one accord. 
That was long ago. O, the fleeting years 

Seem stretching so far away, 
Bince Governor Bradford, of Plymouth town^ 

Appointed Thanksgiving Day. 
That was the first Thanksgiving, 

Yet still we appoint the day, 
12 



178 THE MONTHS AND H3LIDAYS. 

And try to honor and keep it 
In our Puritan fathers' way* 

New Year.— 

A pretty story ! I shall remember it wnen Thanks* 
giving Day comes round. 

December, — 

There's a strange and wonderful story 

We have all of us sometime read, 
How, years ago, a sinless child 

Had a manger for His bed, 
And though the misty years 

Full centuries high are piled, 
December brings to us Christmas Day 

In memory of that child. 

I am the last of the months, and my daughter, 
Christmas Day, is the last of the holidays. 

Christmas Day (this may be recited or sung to any simple 
tune). — 

I'm read of in story, 

I'm sung of in rhyme, 
I'm last of the holidays, 

Christmas-time. 
When the stars w^ere singing 

I had my birth, 
And to bless and brighten 

The grim old earth. 
From the lowly manger. 

Where Jesus lay, 
I sprang into life, 

Your Christmas Day, 



THE MONTHS AND HOLIDAYS. 179 

New Year. — 

Welcome, December, 

Now stand with the others, 
And, Christmas Day, 

These are your sisters and brothers. 
Holidays all, right gladly I gieet you, 
And merry old Christmas, 

I'm happy to meet you. 

Father Time. — 

The grains in my glass so swiftly are flowing 
That I know very well it is time to be going • 
Yes, Happy New Year, it is time to be gone, 
So now sing a song and we all will march on. 

{They form a procession — -the New Year in front Time 
stands behind him and gently pushes him on. hehind 
Time come the Months and Holidays. All march 
Tcmnd the stage singing. Tune, America. '\ 

O, glad we come this way 
To meet thee. New Year's Day; 
Now hear us sing : 
Long as thy reign shall be. 
We Yow thee fealty. 
O, see us kneel to thee, 
Own thee our king. 
\AU kneel before the New Year. Tableau.^ 

Lizzie M. Hadley. 



250 INDEPENDENCE DAY. 

INDEPENDENCE DAY. 



For seven boys. Six of them carry small flags, and form a picturesque 
group in centre of stage. The seventh approaches them from side of 
stage as he speaks his part. 

Six boys in concerL — 

Hurrah for the Fourth of July ! 

Three cheers for the glorious day 
That saw freedom's light shine over our land^ 

Released from tyrannical sway. 

Each yearly return of the day 

We greet with glad shout and huzza, 
Our youthful hearts glow with patriot's pride'. 

For the glorious Fourth we hurrah. 

And as we together have met 

On this anniversary date, 
We'll glance back o'er the years, a huztdred an A n?ore, 

To that time so pregnant with Fata. 

First Boy. — 

As I look back to that eventful time 5n our country's 
history, I see (rising before my mental vision, as he rose 
])efore the actual sight of the Virginia Assembly, and 
fired them with his glowing speech) the patriot orator 
whose thrilling words, " Give me liberty, or give me 
death," became the watchword of the people as they 
prepared to do battle for their sacred rights as freemen. 
His speech was inspiration to his countrymen ! Hi« 
words drew forth their swords, and willingly they dared 
death to achieve liberty ! Let us, then, on this day of 



INDEPENDENCE DAY. 181 

commemoration, raise our voices in three hearty cheers 
to do honor to the name of Patrick Henry. 
[^All cheer and wave flags.'} 

Second Boy. — 

As I look to the Past the man that I see 

Is a patriot, named Richard Henry Lee, 

Who in Congress declared that we ought to be free! 

Then for him, too, let's give our hearty cheers three. 

[^All cheer.} 
Third Boy. — 

The picture of that time, which rises before my mind's 
eye, is that of the assembled Congress in the Htate 
House at Philadelphia, deliberating throughout ttie day 
upon that question of such magnitude that it excited 
their intensest emotion while it claimed their utmost 
deliberation. 

What a feeling- fraught hour must have oeen that in 
which was reached the decision to throw off the alle- 
giance to the mother country. For, thoivgp that mother 
country had treated her children in a manner far from 
loving motherly, it was no trifling matter to cut asunder 
the ties that had bound them to her. 

Come, boys, let us cheer with hearty voices the old* 
time Congress and the fifty-six signers of the I>eclara- 
tion, whose action we this day cjommemorate. [^All 
cheer.} 

Fourth Boy. — 

I claim for Thomas Jefferson 
A special round of cheers ; 
The man who penned the ducanieirt 
Which each of us revereg. 

l^All cheer,"} 



182 INDEPENDENCE DAY. 

Fifth Boy,— 

Aud as I look back to that Fourth of July, 1776, I 
seem to see the old bellman, waiting aloft in the belfry 
tower, while hour after hour passed slowly by, waiting 
to hear the welcome signal from below that the act had 
been accomplished, and the moment had come to 
^' Proclaim liberty throughout all the land, to all the 
inhabitants thereof." With what a vim he must have 
toiled at that bell-rope in his patriotic fervor. I think 
we can spare three cheers for him, boys. \All cheer ^ 

S^xih Boy, — 

Now to the ancient bell itself 
Our honors we should pay, 
For not a trifling part it played 
On Independence Day. 

^All cheer.'] 

Seventh Boy (coming upon the scene,) — 

Well, truly, boys, I think you have, by combination, 
divided the honors quite fairly among the participants 
in that brilliant performance of the Fourth of July, 
one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six, which Ls 
known by the title of the " Declaration of Indepen- 
dence." 

Six Boys in concert, — 

Yes, we've cheered for the Fourth of July, 

For the author and signers also ; 
We've hurrahed for the bell and the bellman, 
Now we'll join in a song e'er we go. 

[Singing " Columbia,^^ " The Gem of the Ocean^ or some 
other patriotic song, 

E. C. & L. J, Rook. 



CHRISTMAS-POLK AND THE CHILDREN. 183 

CHRISTMAS-FOLK AND THE CHILDREN. 

A DRAMA FOR CHRISTMAS TIME- 



CHARACTERS- 

King Christmas, Santa Claus, 

Waits, Mummers, 

Lord of Misrule, Ghost of Christmas Feasts, 

Babouscka, Knecht Rupert, 

Mother, Children 

King Christmas should have a crown of holly leaves, and wear a long, 
flowing robe. Santa Claus should be d:essed in fur. Waits, ordinary 
eostume. Mummers should be masked, and costumes may be as fan- 
tastic as they can be made Lord < f Misrule should wear a gay green 
or yellow robe and a gilt crown. Ghost of Christmas Feasts should be 
short and stout. Babouscka, a little old woman carrying a basket and 
dressed as a Russian peasant. Knecht Rupert should wear a flowing 
white robe and have a long white beard. Mother in ordinary costume. 
Childrt^n in loose white dresses. 

Scene. 
A parlor having at least three doors. One of thes/e 
should open into the room where the children sleep, 
another for the different characters to enter, and a third 
should represent the chimney and open fireplace, for 
Santa Claus to enter. This fireplace is easily made with 
manilla paper, red and white crayon. Cover the paper 
with red crayon, and outline the bricks with the white 
One sheet of the paper should reach from the top of 
the door half way down, another should be set back a 
little and should touch the floor. This should be far 
enough back to allow Santa Claus to enter as though 
he had come down the chimuey. The mother sits near 
the bed-room door. 

Mother sings. Time, '^ Lightly Bow J^--» 
Gently now ! Gently now 1 
Slumber falls on ev'ry brow. 



iSi CHRISTMAS-POLK AND THE CHILDREN, 

Shut your eyes ! Shut your eyes I 
Till the sun shall rise. 
Then the morning fair shall dawn, 
Happy day when Christ was born. 
Sweet and clear ! Sweet and clear, 
Sing, King Christmas's here. 

\_Enter King Christmas.^ 

King Christmas, — 

Are the children asleep ? 

Mother, — 

Yes, every one ; they're asleep in their little beds. 

And the snowy pillows are dimpled now, 
With the brown and the golden heads. 

King Christmas. — 

But where have you hung the stockings to-night, 
To be filled with Santa Claus's toys ? 

Mother. — 

close by the chimney sey they hang, 
Here the girls, there my sturdy boys. 

Bat pray, who are you, who question me so? 

King Christmas. 

1 am he whose praises you sing. 
Mother. — 

O why are you here ? From whence do you comet 
And what is the message you bring ? 

King Christmas. — 

I am old King Christmas, 

Much you have heard and read 



CHRISTMAS- FOLK AND THE CHILDREN. 180 

Of my ancient glory. 

Old legends and songs and queer old books 
Will tell you my old-time story. 

Out of the past I have come to-night, 
But ere my greeting is o'er, 

From the realms of Fancy, of Fable, and Fact, 
Straight through yon open door, 

You will see my subjects come marching in, 
Each one with some tale to tell. 

O listen in silence, for speak but a word 
A.nd you break the mystical spell. 

Then we vanish into the dark and damp. 
Back to the realm of Dreams, 

Swift as the glitt'ring drops o' the grass 
Are drunk by the sun-god's beams. 

Hark ! in the distance far away now 
I hear them faintly singing, 

Nearer, nearer now they come. 
Hear their voices ringing. 

[Enter Lord of Misrule, Mummers, Wails, Christmas 

Feasts. Sing. Tune " Twenty Love-sick Maidens J^ 

from ^' PatienceJ^'\ 

We thy loyal subjects are, 

Let us all be jolly now, 
For before us stands our King, 

Crowned with bay and holly bough. 

AU recite. — 

Bow we all before him now, 

Brief the time he reigneth, 
Once a year he comes to us, 

And his will proclaimeth. 



186 CHRISTMAS-FOLK AND THE CHILDREN. 

O great King, we come to you, 
Every one thy will to do. 

King Christmas,-— 

Welcome, subjects mine, to-day, 
Tell us now your names, I pray. 

Ltr/'d of Misrule, — 

Over my comrades I'm set on high, 
For Lord of Misrule am I, am I ! 
At the Christmas season I do my best 
To frolic and play, and at my behest 
Each one must own me his lord and king. 
O fun and mischief and noise I bring, 
Yet the Lord of Misrule to King Christmas bows, 
A^nd kneels here before him to pay his vows^ 
\_Kaeels before King Christmas.'] 

King Christmas, — 

O Lord of Misrule, I accept each vow, 
But too rough and rude for these times art thou, 
You have had your day. It is o'er at last, 
Now fade and vanish into the past. 

All— 

O Lord of Misrule, away ! away ! 
No longer we'll own your riotous sway. 
\^Lord of Misrule goes ouLl 

Mummers, — 

We are the Christmas mummers gay, 

We can show you many a trick to-day. 

Beautiful gifts we bring to you. 

And — whisper it softly — we'll take gifts, too* 



chkistmas-folk: and the children. "^^7 

Masks on our faces, in quaint array, 

We come. King Christmas, to you to-day. 

King Christmas. — 

mummers ! too rough are the jests you plaj; 
I've nothing for you, so hurry away. 

[^Mummers go ouLj 

Christmas Feast — 
The Ghost of old Christmas feasts am I, 
Peacock's and boar's head, and nice mince-pie. 
Have you aught for me ? Why, the cheer I bring 
Of yore made me welcome by even a king. 

King, — 

1 care not for peacocks, for mince-pie or brawn^ 
So. Ghost of old Christmas feasts, begone 1 

[^Christmas Feast goes out.'} 

Waits, — 

Since the morning stars all sung 

In the heavens so blue, 
Sung a welcome to that Child, 

Who died for me and you,. 
Every year at Christmas time, 
At each door with song and rhyme, 
Though the ground be white with snow^ 
Happy minstrels still we go. 
Christmas carols sweet we sing. 
Praises to our Lord and King. 

King, — 

Christmas Waits, I welcome thee. 
Come and keep us company. 



188 CHRISTMAS- FOLK AND THE CHILDREN. 

While the Christmas chimes ate ringing 
Let us hear your merry singing. 

(" Waits sing old Christmas Carol, " God rest ye, merry 
gentleme7i/' old version found in Chambers^ Book oj 
DaysJ] 

\_Enter old woman with a basket of toys.^ 

King, — 

Who comes here, so wrinkled and old, 
Shivering now with the winter cold ? 

Old Woman, — 

King, so mighty, so grand, and high, 
Your subject, old Babouscka, am I. 

Once, when the wind whirled over the moor, 
Roaring and howling around my door, 
While the snow fell fast, far over the plains, 

1 saw three kings with their mighty trains. 

They rode on camels as white as milk, 
Trappings and saddles of gold and silk, 
And, with hands as full as they well could hold, 
Behind came their slaves with spices and gold. 

O, faster and faster th(3 snow came down, 
While they questioned the way to the far-off town. 
They had come from a country far away, 
Seeking a town where a young Child lay. 

They would find this Child, and lay at His feet 
Their gold, their myrrh, and their spices sweet. 



CHRISTMAS- FOLK AND THE CHILDREN. 189 

For this they had come from the East afar. 
Would I follow with them their guiding star*? 

But the night was stormy and rough and wild, 
Why should I care for this unknown Child ? 
What matter to me that the star shone bright ? 
I shrunk with dread from the bitter night. 

So I answered them " Nay," and the kings passed oa, 
And left me there in my hut alone. 

Then my pulse grew quick and my brain grew wild, 
And I felt I must find that little Child ; 
But I sought in vain, for the star that shone 
Above the kings had faded and gone, 

O, ages on ages have passed away, 
And the kings and their trains are gone for aye. 
But wrinkled and feeble, and worn and ill. 
Poor Babouscka is seeking still. 

Each year, when the Christmas-time comes round 
And the snow is white on the frozen ground, 
I fill my basket with w^onderful toys, 
Gifts for each girl, and for all the boys. 

As I leave these toys, through each door I peer. 
And softly I whisper, " Is He here ?" 
Ah ! vainly I've sought Him near and far, 
Vainly I've watched for that guiding star. 

But a time will come when troubles are pastj 
And poor Babouscka will find Him at last. 



190 CHRISTMAS-POLK AND THE CHILDREN. 

King. — 

Whenever the Christmas-time is near, 

The Russian children listen to hear 

Poor Babouscka, your pitiful cry, 

As you leave your toys and hurry by. 

What matters the snow on your old gray head f 

You work in the name of Him who said, 

" What you do for ihe least, you do for me." 

You are working for all eternity. 

Go steadily on, tho' the path is dim. 

What you do for the children, you do for Him. 

So keep on your way, for your time will come, 

When poor Babouscka will find a home. 

IJow rest you here for an hour or more. 
[Knock at the door,'] 

Let us see who comes knocking now at our dooi^ 
\_Opens the door,] 

Who comes here this winter's night, 

Clad in a robe of spotless white ? 

Flowing beard, like a drift of snow, 
. Tell us, good sir, ere you go, f 

Why you're here in such array ? 

Keep you thus our Christmas Day ? 

Knight Rupert — 

Good Knecht Rupert's the name they give mej, 
In my home in far-off Germany, 
And every year at the Christmas-time, 
When my footsteps fall on the snow and rime, 
Half in pleasure and half in fear, 
The children watch and listen to hear 
My footfall light and my knock at each door. 
Then the deeds of the year are recounted o'er. 



CHRISTMAS-FOLK AND THE CHILDREN. 191 

And then, when every tale has been told, 
The presents I leave are better than geld. 
Toys and sweetmeats the good children find ; 
For the naughty I leave a rod behind. 
O, Knecht Rupert, the children's friend am I5 
And my home is in Northern Germany. 

Sing, — 

O, Knecht Rupert, a welcome to you, 

Honest and trusty, brave and true ! 

On this the ha.ppiest eve i' the year, 

Rest thou with us, and partake of our cheeie 

O hark ! without there are pattering feet, 

There are jingling belk. 



Waits.— 



^^0-: ^ ^ 



Sing merrily, O! 



King, — 

Who is this comes King Christmas t(^ ^reet 1 

Waits, — 

With a heigh and ho ! {spoken.^ 
Sing merrily, O ! {sung,') 

[Enter Santa ClausJ] 
Santa Claus, — 

I am old Santa Claus, 
Gladly for girls and boys. 

Wonderful presents I bring. 
Straight out of Christmas land 
I come at thy command. 

Homage to pay thee, great King. 



1112 CHRISTMAS-FOLK AND THE CHILDREN. 

King, — 

AK over the land they are waiting for you. 

Jolly old Santa Glaus ; 
Fathers and mothers, young men and maidens. 

Wee lassies and rosy-cheeked boys. 
O, my knight, so trusty, tried, and true, 
This Christmas Eve here*s a welcome to you» 
\_Enter, several children.'] 
We've found you, good Santa Claus ; 
Show us your pretty toys. 
.fr^yc^ — "Your gifts for the girls, 
Boys.—' What you bring to the boys. 
Ale. — So long we have sought you, 
That almost we thought you 
Were going to pass by us this year. 
Now three cheers for Santa Claus, 
Who, loaded with pretty toys, 
^omes when the Christmas time's here. 
[Ir>^mj a ring and dance around Santa Claus,'} 

Santa Clans. — 
O, wait T^r awhile, little folks, I pray. 
For a word to each I must surely say, 
Before 1 tnke from my laden back 
The wonderful toys I have here in my pack. 
For the girls I have dolls. 
For the bnys tops and balls. 

But these are for good ones. Alas ! it is shocking ^^ 
The bad ones will find but a rod in each stocking. 
Now stand here beside me, my boys and my girls. 
Ah me ! how swiftly this old earth whirls 1 
Why, it seems but a day since ye stood just so, 
And yet that was Christmas a year ago. 



CHRISTMAS-POLK AND THE CHILDREN. 193 

Now tell me, brave laddies, and wee, bonnie lassies, 

Tell to me quickly, for swiftly time passes, 

What have you done to help oue another, 

Y'our parents, your friends, your sister, or brother ? 

What have you done to smooth out the way 

A.nother must walk in, now tell me, I pray? 
O tell me, each one, 
All the good you have done, 
And, alas ! though I fear it, 
'Tis my w^ill to hear it— 

The bad things as well as the good ones you do, 

Your cress word: '^s well as the pleasant ones, too. 

Dy you quickly obey when your parents speak ? 

Ah, that briags red blushes to each little cheek ! 

Ire you ever naughty when sent to bed? 

What is this ! Every little one drops his head. 

Do you cry and whine, or fret and tease, 

A.nd forget to say, " Thank you," and, " If you please "? 

0, lower and lower the heads drop down. 

The black and the golden, the red and the brown. 

I see you've been naughty, every one ; 

Let me think for a moment what's to be done. 

No toys for the bad ones, I said. O how sad ! 

What can I do when they all are bad ? 

Knight Rupert. — 

O don't be too strict, good Santa Claus, 
Eemember the saying, that " Boys will be boys.^ 

Mother.-— 

And girls will be girls, or else I'm mistaken. 
Yet both have a conscience, and if this you awaken, 
And show them the evil their little sins do, 
in spite of their fretting, you'll find they'll thank you. 
13 



1^4 CHRISTMAS-FOLK AND THE CHILDREN. 

O, rule them by love, if you'd have them obey^ 
And help them grow wiser and better each day* 
Remember, He said, whose home is in heaven, 
Forgive one another till seventy times seven. 

Baboiiscka.— 

O, good Santa Claus, 

Don't spoil all the joys 

The little ones take in this day. 

Forgive them this once, and I'm sure evermore. 

They will all do their best to c^^^r^ 

Waits. — 

Forgive them, old Santa, 
Forgive them, and then, 
We are sure they will never be naughty again. 

Children, — - 

O, dear Santa Claus, if you will be so kind, 
Forgive us this once, and you'll certainly find 
That wherever we go, and whatever we do. 
We'll all be obedient, honest, a^d true. 

Santa Claus. — 

Perhaps I had better, but yet I half fear 
I shall find things no better at Christmas, next jemi 
But since you all ask me, I'll do as you say. 
Babouscka, Knecht Rupert, I hear and obey. 
Come closer, O children, my pack I'll undo. 
And you'll find that within it there's a present for j&tk 
[ Opens his pack, and begins to Jill the stockings.J 

King Ohristmas.-^ 

That's right, good Santa Claus, 
Give out your toys. 



CHRISTMAS-FOLK AND THE CHILDRENc 195 

Temper mercy with justice, 'tis welli 

And I hope next year, 

When Christmas is here, 

A different story they'll tell. 

So give ou'b your toys, and quickly, too, 

For your reindeer steeds are waiting for you, 

O, time flies swiftly, you've far to go, 

Away to the realms of ice and snow. 

O'er Asia's mountains and Afric's sand 

You must carry your toys to every land. 

Babouscka and good Knecht Rupert^ too. 

Must hurry away, for you've work to do. 

Have you filled up each stocking? i 

Then let us be walking. 

And, Waits, as we go, a caroi sing. 

O, every one now, come follow your King. 

When your work is all done, a merry band. 

We'll rest for a year in Christmas land. 

[King Christmas goes out followed by the others, Th& 
Waits sing the old ca;rol, " I saw Three Ships go Sailing 
By^ (^These words may be found in ''Chambers' Book oj 
J)aysJ*) There should be a sound of bells outside as they 
drive off, the bells and the musie gradually growing 
fainter^ till they die away in the distaneeJ] 

Lizzie M. Hadlby* 



196 EESURRESIT. 

RESURKEXIT. 

(For Easter.) 



A wooden or iDasteboara cross should be made, with tacks or pej^s oe 
which to nang the cards held by the children. The large cards should 
hang* below the cross, and the star above it. 

I 

s 

CHRIST 
R 
I 



E 

N 



HE IS RISEN INDEED. 



Each letter should be placed upon a square card, wreathed with 

flowers. 

First Child, — 

Why are you sad when the sky is so blue, 
The fields are green and the spring is new ? 
What is the sorrowful sight you've seen, 
And what do these falling teardrops mean ? 

Second Child,-^ 

Alas ! in a strange old book I've read 
Of One they've laid with the silent dead. 



BESURREXIT. 197 

And much I am longing His face to see, 

For He said, *' Let the children come unto me.'* 

So my tears fall fast, while in doubt and gloom 
I am vainly seeking His silent tomb. 
Ah, could I find Lt, these flowers so bright 

\Holding up floivers^ 
I'd lay on the dear Lord 3 tomb to-night. 

First Child, — 

O seek no more, for this Easter Day 
The stone from the sepulchre's rolled away. 
Would'st see His face ? From the heavens above 
He is leaning down with a look of love. 

No longer we watch with tearful eyes 
The gloomy sepulchre where He lies. 
No longer the world in its sins need stay, 
*Tis a risen Christ to whom we pray. 

Second Child,—' 
Risen ? 

First Child. — 

Why, yes ; this is Easter Day, 

The tomb is empty, the stone rolled away, 

Seeond Child. — 

Then show to me now while here I wait, 
Just outside of Death's solemn gate. 
The dreadful cross upon which He died. 

First Child. — 

Ah ! by His death it was glorified. 

Now seen through the mist of the gathered years. 

All crowned with flowers, that cross appears. 



198 EESURREXIT. 

Second Child, — 

I look in vaiiie No cross I see. 

All.-- 

Behold! we'll build it then for thee. 
Block after block we'll place in linej, 

Third Child.— 

All wreathed with lilies— this is mine. 

AIL— 

O Easter lilies ring each bell, 

To all the glorious tidings tell, 

As to and fro your sweet bells sway, 

The Lord of all is risen to-day. 

Hing loud and clear. Ring far and ne^® 

The Lord, the Lord of all is here. 

Third Child.— 

Upon the cross, in its first place. 
This golden C shall turn its face. 
The post of honor, see, your bear. 
Sweet lilies, woven in with prayer. 

Fourth Child. — 

This letter for His name I bringj, 
My own glad Easter offering. 

each fair violet, lift your face. 
You hold the second honored place. 

1 place you there, and now, behold 
Written in lines of beaten gold, 
This letter H so strong and true, 
Is now the next to meet your view» 



BESURRKXIT. 19^ 

Fifth Child.— 

Like some lost gem of monarch old, 
A shining R en wreathed with gold, 
I bring, like pilgrim to a shrine, 
And place it on this cross of Thine. 

buttercups, thou art to me 
The symbol of eternity, 

Your golden cups, the crowns we've won, 
When earth's sad, toilsome march is done. 

Sixth Child,— 

Standing so straight, so tall and bold. 
You see this I, a line of gold, 
And round it twined, like rays of light, 
A wreath of yellow cowslips bright. 

Ah, brave young flowers, in spite of cold. 
You lift your early crowns of gold, 

1 would, like thee, w^e'd ne'er delay. 
But when the Master calls, obey. 

Seventh Child. — 

A curving line of gold is this 
1 bring you now, the letter S. 
Enwreathed with hyacinths, sweet and true. 
Each turns its modest face to you. 

Fair flowers ! your breath like incense sweet, 
Drifts upward to the Saviour's feet ; 
No songs, no prayers to Him you raise. 
Your life is one long breath of praise. 

Eighth Child. — 

Last letter in this word, you see. 
The golden arms of letter T,— 



2m RESURREXrjf. 

like flowers cut from blocks of snow, 

Around it, see, the lilies go. 

Ring, ring, sweet bells, in this glad hour, 
Proclaim 3^our risen Saviour's power ; 
At His command e'en tempests cease, 
To storm-tossed souls He whispers " Peace.^ 

Ninth Child,' — 

Upon this beam, the first to lie, 
High over all I place an 1, 
And round it now, behold, I twine 
The deathless branches of the pine. 

O, sombre pine ! thou art to me 
Emblem of immortality. 
When all the world lies cold and dead, 
You lift on high your green-plumed head* 

2Jenth Child.-- 

Now, next below it, I'll place this. 

Another curving, shining S. 

Around it, see ! Arbutus fair, 

Sends up to heaven its perfumed prayer. 

Sweet, blushing flowers ! to me you brm^ 
The first glad promise of the spring, 
Touched by the hand that conquered Dea\ » 
You praise Him with your fragrant breath 

Eleventh Child. — • 

Fair violets ! once again to view 

You turn your flowers, of heaven's own hii6, 

And hold within your tender care 

The next, this golden R, I bear. 



RESUEEEXIT. OTl 

You lift each ?^}?: i:. :- :: :;:? ^ky, 

Of summer day^ IC' ■: :::r :.: :e more, 
Xow winter's cl-a.Iilike rdgn is o'er. 

fw^fffh r'^;7y_ 

Tnis ^•!:::"rin^^ I you see is mine, 

And now aruu.nd iis race I twine, 

F - ' ^ - ^ :' ::_ ^^t - ooh's brown mold, 

1 :. ^ . -- :_ rJ: :: ,^ -.d. 

0, bright-hued blossoms! one by one 
You lift your fLxc-s, like the sun. 
An emblem ui to a: i^i'^e from heaven, 
To all alike so iicdy ^iven. 

Ihirteenth CJuId.— 

Again, in lin-s of golden hue, 

A.njiher ^ n-w m--:s v^^ur view, 

And r-un-i it "m:oig rh- i-v:!^ so green^ 

The tulips, blushing red, are seen. 

Red as the drops our Saviour shed, 
When on the cross He bowed His head- 
In your fair faces n^jw we see 
That dreadful death on Calvary, 

FouT'eenth Ch ild, — 

Behold me now ! I briug to thee 

In golden lines this lett-r E. 

Each white anemone's pink-tipped beU^ 

The wondrous tidings help to tell, 

To all on earth :-i^ in the heaven 
The gloriuus giit:; our God ha^ ^ivea. 



202 RESURREXIT. 

Ring bells ! Ring bells ! O, tell the story^ 
Our risen Lord is King of glory. 

Fifieenth Child,— 

This block, the one on which must rest 
The cross, by all mankind confessed, 
The symbol lifted high in air. 
To show the gate of praise and prayer. 

With N entwined with lilacs sweet, 
This wondrous cross I now complete. 
O, purple plumes, behold ! I lay 
Thee at the Master's feet to-day. 

Mi- 
Completed now, this cross shall stand, 
Its message heard throughout the land, 
The Lord is risen ; all is well, 
Where'er it goes, these tidings tell. 

Sixteenth Child, — 

Another card, with flowers o'erlaced, 
I've put beneath, and on it traced 
In lines that every one may read. 
Behold them here, " He is risen indeed.'* 

AIL— 

And see above it, throwing far 
Its bright rays, gleams a shining star, 
Through all the years of pain and loss, 
O, still it shines above that cross. 

O wondrous cross ! O star, whose beams 
Down through the dust of ages streams. 
You point to Christ, who's gone before, 
And draw us to Him evermore. 

Lizzie M. Hadle^*. 



CLOSING ADDRESS. 203 

CLOSING ADDRESS. 

POR A SABBATH-SCHOOL CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT 



OUR entertainment now is through, 
The time has come to say adieu. 
We don't expect to gain a name. 
Nor travel on the road to fame. 
By what we've said and sung to-night, 
Although your faces look so bright ; 
But each one here has done his part 
With willing mind and cheerful heart ; 
And if our efforts have had power 
To lighten for one little hour 
The load of care in any breast, 
My anxious mind is quite at rest. 
Kind friends, when I have thanked you alL 
The old and young, the great and small, 
I'll turn unto our teachers dear 
And wish them all a glad New Year. 
I hope that we may ever prove 
Deserving of their kindest love. 
And they be spared for many a year 
To cheer us with their presence here. 
Now just one hint — and I am done— - 
Of how to crown this evening's fun. 
You recollect, a year ago, 
A gift on each they did bestow, 
And their desire for a full house 
Has made me think I smell a mouse. 
For you must know, indulgent friends. 
Our fun, in part, on you depends ; 
Your money is the sesame 
That opens mouth and eves m glee. 



204 « CLOSING ADDRESS. 

By baying for eacli girl and boy 

A gift, to make us laugh with joy. 

My speech is done ; I'll say " good-night," 

And hope that you will think I'm right, 

If I remark in simple rhyme — 

If they give candy^ — Now's the time. 

Miss M. Ella Coi^nelIi* 



SHOEMAKER'S 

Be^t Selections* 

FOR READINGS AND RECITATIONS 

Slumbers I to 27 Now Issued 

Teachers, Readers, Students, and all persons who 
have occasion to use books of this kind, concede 
thi3 to be the best series of speakers published. 
The different numbers are compiled by leading 
elocutionists of the country, who have exceptional 
facilities for securing selections and whose judgment 
as to their merits is invaluable. No trouble or ex* 
pense is spared to obtain the very best readings and 
recitations, and much m.aterial is used by special 
arrangement with other publishers, thus securing 
the best selections from such American authors as 
Longfellow, Holmes, Whittier, Lowell, Emerson ^ 
Alice and Phoebe Gary, Mrs. Stowe, and man;? 
others. The foremost English authors are als> 
represented, as well as the leading French and Get* 
man writers. The series is not only valuable for th^ 
readings and recitations it contains, but is also ail 
attractive addition to the home library, as the selec^ 
tions make interesting reading as short stories. 

Paper binding, each, 30 cents ; cloth, 50 cents. 

For brief descriptions of a few of the most popular pieces 
Ifi each number of this series, see pages immediately follow- 
ing. It is not to be understood that the pieces described ar« 
the only ones in the book. Each number contains Irooi 
seventy>five to one hundred pieces^ 

THE PENN PUBLISHING 
COMPANY PHILADELPHIA 



SRoeiuaRer's Best Sclccflons— no. i 



Abraham Lincoln, by Henry Ward 
Beecher. An eloquent eulogy. 

Annie and Wiilie's Prayer, for Christ- 
mas. Pathetic. 

Betsey and I Are Out, by V/ill Carle- 
ton. Rustic. Strong. 

Blue and the Gray, 1 he. For Deco- 
ration Day. 

Boys, The, by Oliver Wendell Holmes. 
For Class Day. 

Bridge, The, by Henry \Y. Longfellow. 
Reflective. 

Bugle Song. Break, Break, Break, 
by Alfred Tennyson. Great favorites. 

Charge of the Light Brigade. Dra- 
matic. 

Child Wife, The, by Charles Dickens. 
Humorous. 

Crossing the Carry. Mirth-provoking. 

Creeds of the Bells, The. For church 
entertainment. Humorous. 

Death of Little Jo, Death cf Little 
Nell, by Charles Dickens. Pathetic. 

Der Coming Man. German dialect. 

Dying Christian, The. Religious. 

Evening at the Farm, by J. T. Trow- 
bridge. Pastoral. Pleasing. 

Experience with European Guides, 
by Mark Twain. Very humorous. 

Forty Years Ago. Reminiscent. 

Hamlet's Instruction to the Players. 

Independence Bell, Fourth of July. 

Irish Schoolmaster, The. Irish hu- 



John Maynard. A thrilling, heroic 
siory. 

Katie Lee and Willie Gray. Pleasing. 

Katydid, oy Oliver Wendell Fxolmes. 
Quiet humor. 

Launch of the Ship, The, by Henry 
W. Longfellow. Strong, patriotic. 

Memory of Washington, The, by Ed. 
Everett. Washington's Birthday. 

Modern Cain, The. A strong temper- 
ance selection. 

Nobody's Child. Verv pathetic. 

Old Yankee Farmer, the. Dialects 

Our Folks. A story of the Rebellion, 
Pathetic. 

Patrick Dolin's Love Letter. Hu- 
morous. Dialect. 

Piece of Bunting, A. Patriotic. His- 
toric. 

Relief of Lucknow, The. Emotional. 

Revolutionary Rising, The. Patriotic 
and stirring. 

Scrooge and Marley. From Dickens' 
Christmas Carol. 

Smack in School , The. Very amusing. 

Spartacus to the Gladiators. Strong. 

Why He Wouldn't Sell the Farm. 
Pathetic and patriotic. 

William Tell. Dramatic and thrilling. 

Will the New Year Come To-night, 
Mamma? Very pathetic. 

You Put No Flowers on My Papa's 
Grave. For Decoration Day. Very 
touching. 



SDomaRer's Best Selections— Ro. 2 



Abigail Becker. A thrilling rescue. 

Altruism. Very amusing. 

Arnold Winkelried. Patriotic and 
soul-stirring. 

Barn Window, The. Rural, tender, 
and pleasing. 

Bells of Shandon, The. Good for 
vocal training. 

Blacksmith's Story, The. A touch- 
ing story of the Rebellion. 

Black Ranald. An heroic love story. 

Buck Fanshaw's Funeral, by Mark 
Twain. Frontier life. Humorous. 

Cassius and Caesar, Hamlet's Solil- 
oquy, Wolsey's Fall. Shakespeare. 
Three favorites. 

Christmas Carol, A. For Christmas. 

Darius Green and His Flying Ma- 
chine. Rustic. Mirth-provoking. 

Eva's Death. From "Uncle Tom's 
Cabin," Verv affecting-. 

Excelsior, Old Clock on the Stairs, 
The, by H. W. Longfellow. Popu- 
lar favorites. 

Hezekiah Bedott. Rustic dialect. Hu- 
morous. 

How Mr. Cpville Counted the Shin- 
gles. Verv funny. 

Kentucky Philosophy. Sometimes 
called the " Watermillion Story." 
Negro dialect. 

Liberty and Union, by Daniel Web- 
ster. Patriotic. 



Lochinvar's Ride. Heroic. Gallant. 
Mark Twain and the Inter'^iewer. 

Exceedingly funny. 

May Queen, The. Very popular. 

Miss Maioney on the Chinese Ques- 
tion. Rich Irish humor. 

Month of Mars, The. Beautiful pic* 
turing. 

New Church Organ, The, by Will 
Carleton. Spinster characterization. 

New Year's Address. Elevating. 

Old Man in the Model Church, The, 
Touching characterization. 

Over the Hill to the Poorhouse, by 
Will Carleton. Very pathetic. 

Polish Boy, The. Intensely dramatic. 

Puzzled Dutchman, The. Humorous. 

Red Jacket, The. A thrilling rescue 
from fire. 

Rum's Maniac. Dramatic temper- 
ance piece. 

Schneider Sees «*Leah." Very amus- 
ing. 

Socrates Snooks. Female equality 
emphasized. Humorous. 

Soldier's Reprieve, The, A touching 
storv of President Lincoln's kindness. 

Spanish Armada. The, by T. B. Ma- 
caulav. Dramatic description. 

Waslii'^gton as a Civilian. For 
Was^itip-ton's Birthdav. 

Yarn of the Nancy Bell, The. Kum- 
orous sea tale. 



SDoemaRer's Bsst Selections— no. 5 



Adf^on the Lane. Scotch humor. 

American Flag, The. Patriotic. 

BarJeii and Kickwick, by Ciiarles 
Dickens. The tatnous trial scene. 

Baron's Last Banquet, 1 he. Dra- 
matic. 

Battie of Beal an' Dwine, The, bv Sir 
Walter Scott. A strong- war poem. 

Charlie Machree. Exciting-. 

Claudius and Cynthia." Verv thrilling. 

Closing Year, The. Lofty and im- 
pressive. 

Dutchman's Serenade, The. Humor- 
ous. 

Eagle's Rock, The. Dramatic. 

Florentine Juliet, A; Froni Exile; 
The Gladiator. All strongly dramatic. 

Good=night, Papa. A touching tem- 
perance piece. 

Haunted House, The. A stirring ghost 
story. 

If I Should Die To=mght. A Sunday- 
school piece. 

Inquiry, *The. Popular. 

Jack and Gill. Humorous. 

Kit Carson's Ride, by Joaquin Miller. 
A stirring incident of prairie life. 

Kitchen Clock, The. Humorous and 
very popular. 

Laughin' in Meetin', by Harriet 
Beecher Stowe. Humorous, suited to 
church occasions. 

Licensed to Sell ; or, Little Blossom. 
Temperance. 



Lines to Bary Jadec Humorous, 
Maud MuUer, by John G. Whittier. 

Always popular. 
National Monument to Washington. 

Suited to Washington's Birthdav. 
Old Forsaken 5choolhouse, The. 

Reminiscent. 
Painter of Seville, The. Verv popular. 
Parrbasius and the Captive, by N. P. 

Willis. Highly dramatic. 
Poor Little Jim. A pathetic story of 

the mines. 
Power of Habit, The, by John B. 

Gough. Strong temperance piece. 
Promise, The. Religious. 
Reaching the Early Train. Humor- 
ous. 
Reply to Mr. Corry. A masterpiece of 

oratory. 
Reverie in Church. Humorous. For 

church entertainment. 
Rock of Ages. Contains singing parts. 
Senator's Dilemma, The. Amusing. 
Three Fishers, The. Pathetic. 
Tom Sawyer's Love Affair, by Mark 

Twain. Humorous. 
Vagabonds, The, by J. T. Trowbridge. 

Very popular. 
Waiting for the Children. For thanks- 
giving. 
Wax Work. Humorous. 
Woman, by Alfred Tennyson. Agrace- 

ful tribute. 



Sftoemaker's Best Selecffons— Ho. 4 



Angels of Buena Vista, The, by John 
G. Whittier. Very dramatic. 

Annuity, The. Scotch humor. 

Baggage Smasher, The. Humorous. 

Battle of Bunker Kill, The. Patriotic. 

Battle of Lookout Mountain, by 
George H. Boker. Thrilling descrip- 
tion. 

Battle Hymn of the Republic, by Julia 
Ward Howe. Religious. 

Black Horse and His Rider, The. A 
stirring patriotic declamation. 

Burning Prairie, The, by Alice Carey. 
Dramatic. 

Cause of Temperance, The, by John 
B. Gough. Strong temperance piece. 

Centennial Oration. Eloquent. 

Christmas Sheaf, The. A Norwegian 
Christmas storv. 

Clarence's Dream. Intensely dramatic. 

Contentment, Religious, trustful. 

Curfew Must Not Ring To=night. 
Thrilling. 

Deacon Munroe's Story. Humorous 
characterization. 

Dora, by Alfred Tennyson. A power- 
ful storv. 

Dot Lambs Vot Mary Haf Got. Ger- 
man dinlect. ' 

Faith and Reason. Moral. 

Fire. The. Dramatic. , 

Gambler's Wife, The. Pathetic and 
tragic. ' 



Ghost, The. Quaint Yankee humor. 

Grandmother's Story. Her account 
of Bu!]ker Hill. 

Great Beef Contract, The, by Mark 
Twain. Intensely humorous. 

Judge Pitman on Various Kinds of 
Weather, by Max Adeler. Humorous. 

Kentucky Belle. A pleasing incident 
of the Civil War. 

Leap Year Wooing, A. Humorous. 

Love Your Neighbor as Yourself. 
x\musing. 

Maiden's Last Farewell^ The. Hu- 
morous. 

Man's a Man for a' That, A, by Rob- 
ert Burns. Scotch dialect. 

Mark Antony Scene. Always popular. 

Modest Wit, A. Hum.orous. 

Negro Prayer, A, Dialect. 

Ode to the Legislature, by John G. 
Saxe. A fine satirical poem. 

Our Own. Moral and pathetic. 

Rationalistic Chicken, The. Philo- 
sophic humor. 

Raven, The. Always popular. 

Rest, by Father Ryan. Deeply spir- 
itual. 

Rienzi's Address. Soul-stirring. 

Tommy Tuft, by Henrv Ward Beecher. 
A deeplv pathetic religious story. 

Tribute to Washington. For Wasb« 
ineton's Birthday. 

Union, The. A patriotic poem. 



SDoentaKer's Best Selections- no. 5 



Agr^r, The. A humorous parody on 
the " ague." 

Archie Dean. A vivacious, coquet- 
tish selection. 

Betty Lea. A pleasing old-time court- 
ship. 

Brave at Home, The. A tribute to 
woman. 

Bride of the Greek Isle, by Mrs. He- 
mans. Lofty and dramatic. 

Budge's Version of the Flood. Child 
characterization. Very amusing. 

Catiline's Defiance. Strongly emo- 
tional. 

Centennial Hymn, by John G. Whit- 
tier. Religious and patriotic. 

Course of Love Too Smooth. A hu- 
morous courtship. 

Dedication of Gettysburg, by Abra- 
ham Lincoln. A patriotic gem. 

Flood of Years, The, by William Cul- 
len Bryant. A lofty oratorical poem. 

Good Reading. A tribute to true elo- 
cution, 

Hans and Fritz. Humorous. 

How We Hunted a Mouse. Humor- 
ous. 

John and Tibbie's Dispute. Scotch 
humor. 

Last Hymn, The. Exciting. Suited 
for church reading. Parts to be sung. 

Leak in the Dyke, The. Stirring story 
of Holland. 



Lost and Found. A pathetic story of 

the Welsh mines. 
Magdaiena ; or, The Spanis2i DueL 

Spirited, mock-heroic, numerous. 

Maiien Martyr, The. A touching 
incident. A hue church selection. 

Membranous Croup, by Mark Twain. 
Very funny. 

Only a Baby, For mothers' meeting. 

Over the Hills and Far Away, by Miss 
Mulock. A beautiful bit of pathos. 

Prisoner of Chillon, The, by Lord 
Byroii. Intensely emotional and dra^ 
matic. 

Ready For a Kiss. Child charac- 
terization. 

Samantha Smith Becomes Joslah 
Allen's Wife. Humorous. 

Schoolmaster's Guests, The, by 
Will Carleton. Humorous. 

Swallowing a Fly, by T. DeWitt Tal- 
mage. Humorous. 

Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, by J. G. Hol- 
land. Temperance. 

Uncle Daniel's Introduction to a Mis- 
sissippi Steamer. One of the best 
negro dialect selections ever written. 

Vaudois Missionary, The. For 
church entertamment. 

Where Is Papa To=night? Tender, 
pathetic, patriotic, and reiieious. 

Why Biddy and Pat Married. Irish 
humor. 



SftoemaRer's Best Selections— Ro. 6 



Artemus Ward's London Lecture. 

Intensely humorous. 

Asleep at the Switch. Thrilling ex- 
perience of a switchman. 

Battle of Ivry, The, by T. B. Ma- 
caulay. A strong dramatic, historic 
poem. 

Bridge of Sighs, The, by Thomas 
Hood. A pathetic and popular poem. 

Cane=Bottomed Chair, The, by Will- 
iam M. Thackerav. Reminiscent. 

Children's Hour, The, by H. W. Long- 
fellow. A pretty picture of home life. 

Day at Niagara, A, by Mark Twain. 
Humorous. 

Doctor Marigold, by Charles Dickens. 
Sometimes known as " Cheap Jack." 
Good for characterization. 

Dukite Snake, The. An intensely 
dramatic story. 

Easter Morning. A fervid Easter 
selection. 

Extract from **The Last Days of 
Merculaneum." Fine dramatic de- ! 
scription. ! 

Father Phil's Collection. One of the 
best Irish pieces ever written. 

Getting Under Way, by Mark Twain. 
Humorous. 

Green Mountain Justice, The. A bit 
of rustic humor. 

lane Conquest. A dramatic story of 
great power. 



Little Allie, by Fannie Fern. A touch- 
ing storv. 
Little Hatchet Story, The, by R. J. 

Burdette. Humorous characteriza- 
tion. 
Malibran and the Young Musician. 

Intensely interesting and pathetic. 
Miss Edith Helps Things Along. A 

smart child's pert remarks. 
Nae Luck Aboot the House. Scotch 

dialect. 
Old Sergeant, The. A touching story 

of the Civil War. 
Oratory, by Henry Ward Beech er. A 

plea for its culture. 
Ride of Jennie McNeal, The, by Will 

Carleton, A stirring story of early 

davs. 
Robert of Lincoln, by William Cullen 

Brvant. Introducing bird songs. 
Satan and the Qrog=5elIer. A 

strong temoerance selection. 
Songs in the Night. A humorous 

sleeping-car incident. 
St. John the Aged. Spiritually im- 

oressive. 
Thanksgiving, A. Suited to the day 
Tom. A dramatic story of a dog. 
Tribute to East Tennessee. Intensely 

eloquent. 
Valley Forge. Good for teaching. 
Zekle, by tames Russell Lowell. An 

old-time Yankee courtship. 



SDoemaRer's But selections- Ro. 7 



Aiild 1-ang Syne, by Robert Burns. 

Never grows old. 
Builders, The, by H. W. Longfellow. 

A choice gem. 
Crescent and the Cross, The, by T. B. 

Aldrich. A good church selection. 
Cuddle Doon. A pleasing Scotch home 

sketch. 
Daisy's Faith. A popular child 

piece. 
Death of the Old Year, The, by Alfred 

Tennvson. A good New Year piece. 
Death of the Owd 'Squire, The. A 

stirring, dramatic poem. 
Fair Piay for Women, by George Wil- 
liam Curtis. An eloquent plea. 
Glove and the Lions, The, by Leigh 

Hunt. Dramatic. 
Qray Honors the Blue, The. Patriotic. 

For Decoration Day. 
Hannah Binding Shoes, by Lucy Lar- 

com. A sad but pleasing story. 
How Tom 5awyer Whitewashed his 

Fence, by Mark Twain. Funnv. 
Leper, The, by N. P. Willis. Str6ngly 

dramatic. 
Lighthouse May. A tale of heroism. 
Masters of the situation, by James T. 

Field, Excellent for teaching. 
Master*s Touch, The. Lofty, spir- 
itual. 
Milking Time. Rustic humor. 
Mine Katrine. Dialect. Funny. 



Mont Blanc Betore Sunrise, by S. T. 

Coleridge, bubiime description. 
Night Before Christmas, The. A 

lively Christmas selection. 

Night After Christmas, The, A hu- 
morous sequel to the foregoing piece. 

Old Grimes. Mock-serious. 

Old Robin, by J. T. Trowbridge. An 
intensely interesting story. 

Our Traveled Parson, by Will Carle- 
ton. Humorous and pathetic. 

Owl Critic, The, by James T. Fields. 
Fine humor. 

Paradise. A good selection for encore. 

Royal Princess, A. A fine dramatic 
poem. 

Saving Mission of Infancy, The. In- 
teresting and uplifting. 

Sheriff Thome, byj. T. Trowbridge. 
An interesting story, showing the in- 
fluence of woman. 

Ship of Faith, The. Excellent negro 
dialect. 

Sister and I. Passion and pathos. 

Surly Tim's Trouble. Lancashire 
diiilect. Very pathetic and touching. 

That Hired Qirl. Humorous. 

Tom's Little btar. Experiences of a 
stage-struck woman. Humorous. 

Voice in the Twilight, The. Suited to 
church or Sunday-school. 

Wounded Soldier, The. Pathetic in- 
cident of a dying soldier. 



$boentaSer'$ Best Sekdions— Flo. $ 



After Deswth, by Edwin Arnold. Spir- 
itual. For church or Sunday-school. 

American Specimen, An, by Mark 
Twain. Humorous. 

Arrow and ihe Song, The. A choice 
gem. 

Bald=headed Man, The. Laughable. 

Bay Billy. Suited to Decoration Day. 

Beecher on Eggs. Humorous. 

Better in thts Morning. Touching. 

Bessie Kendrick's Journey. Very 
pathetic stor^' of a bereaved child. 

Carl. A spirited escape from wolves. 

Christmas Carol, A. For Christmas. 
Part to be chanted. 

Coney Island Down der Pay. Very 
funny. 

Defence of Lucknow, The. Stirring. 

Emigrant's Story, The, by J.T. Trow- 
bridge. Thrilling incident of a prairie 
storm. 

Fire-Bell's Story, The. A tale of he- 
roism. 

First Quarrel, The, by Tennyson. A 
dramatic and pathetic storv. 

Gran'ma Al'as Does. Child dialect. 

Her Letter, by Bret Harte. Story of 
early California. 

How Ruby Played. A humorous 
rustic description of Rubenstein's 
playing. 

International Episode, An« A good 



King's Missive, The, by John G. 

Whittier. A story of early New Eng- 
land. 
Little Feet. Very pathetic. 
Mrs. MacWilfiams and the Light- 

ning, by Mark Twain. Very funny. 
Nations and Humanity, by George 

William Curtis. Oratorical. 
Nebuchadnezzar. Negro dialect. 
Order for a Picture, An, by Alice Ca- 

re}-. A popular pathetic selection. 
Over the Hill from the Poorhouse, 

by Will Carleton. A sequel to " Over 

the Hill to the Poorhouse." 
Practical Young Woman, A. Humor- 
ous. 
Reckoning with the Old Year. A good 

N^w Year selection. 
Reply to Hayne, by Daniel Webster. 

C)ratorica], Good for teaching. 
Rest, by George MacDonald. Suited 

to religious entertainments. 
Scene from "Leah the Forsaken." 

Strongly dramatic. 
Set*Hg a Hen. Rich German dialect. 
Sioux Chief's Daughter, by Joaquin 

Miller. Very dramatic and popular. 
Tale of the Yorkshire Coast. Dialect. 

Pathetic. 
Temperance Question, The, by Wen- 

dell Phillips. A vigorous argument. 
Vashti, by Julia C. R. Dorr. Ver^ 

popular. 



SDdenidiier's Best Selections— R0. 9 



Aged Stranger, The. By Bret Harte. 

Humorous. 
Awiuliy Lovely Phalosophy. Chai- 

aclerizatioii of a gushing girl. 
Baby's Kiss. Au incident of tiie Civil 

War, 
Bertha in the Lane. Pleasing pathos. 
Brier Rose. A thrilling Norwegian 

stor\\ 
Child on the Judgment Seat, The. 

Moral and spiritual. 
Christmas Ballad, A. Pathetic and 

stimulating. 
Connor. A strong, pathetic, popular 

story. 
Fisherman's Wile, The. A sad story 

with a happy ending. 
First Party, The. Humorous and 

musical. 
Horatius at the Bridge, by T. B. 

Macaulay. Heroic, 
Last Prayer of Mary Qu&en of Scots. 

Regretful yet hopeiul. 
Lookout Mountain. German dialect. 

A pathetic incident of the civil war. 
Master Johnny's Next=door Neigh= 

bor. By Bret Harte. Boy character. 
Mrs. Walker's Betsey. A graphic 

storv of humble life. 
Mrs, Ward's Visit to the Prince. 

Yankee dialect. Humorous. 
Palace o' the King, The. Scotch 

dialect. 



Rover's i>etition. By James T. Fields. 

A good child's piece. 
Sailing of King Omf, The. Dramatic, 

elevating, strong. 
Sam's Letter. Characterization. Very 

funny. 
School Begins To=day. Good boy's 

piece. 
Selling the Farm. Pathetic. 
Song of the Camp, The. May be 

accompanied with music or song. 
Saint George and the Dragon. Dra< 

matic. 
Terpsichore in the Flat Creek Quarc 

ters. Plantation fun. 
Then and Now. Humorous. 
Thoughts for a New Year. Eloquent. 
Tribute to Washington. Patriotic. 

Suited to Washington's Birthday. 
Truth of Truths, The, By Ruskiru 

Good for teaching. 
Unnoticed and Unhonored Heroes, 

Bv Channing. Oratorical, 
White Squall, The. By W. M. Thack- 
eray. Vigorous and humorous. 
Widow and her Son, The. By Wash- 
ington Irving. Pathetic and beautiful. 
WiSJiam Qoetz. Humorous story of a 

goat. 
Words of Strength. By Schiller. 

El n CO re. 
Yorkshire Cobbler, The. Dialect. 

Temperance piece. 



SftoemaRer's Bt$i Sdecttons— no. 10 



Armageddon. By Edwin Arnold. 
Religious. 

Balaklava. A dramatic battle piece. 

Blind Lamb, The. By Celia Thaxter. 
A pleasing child's story with a moral. 

Caught in the Quicksand. By Vic- 
tor Hugo. Dramatic. 

Chickamauga. For Decoration Dav. 

Death of Roland, The. Historic, 
strong. 

Despair. By Tennj-son. A dramatic 
story of great power. 

Dick Johnson's Picture. Temper- 
ance. 

Drifting. By T. Buchanan Read, 
Musical, pleasing, popular. 

Eulogy on Garfield. By James G. 
Blaine. An eloquent tribute. 

Herve RieL By Robert Browning. A 
strong dramatic poem. 

Irrepressible Boy, The. Inquisitive- 
ness iif^t alwavs conducive to comfort. 

Jamie. Dramatic and strongly pathetic, 

Larrie O'Dee. Irish humor. 

Law of Death, The, By Edwin 
.\rnoM. Pathetic. 

Little Dora's Soliloquy. Child talk. 

Little Rocket' s Christmas. A pathetic 
Christmas storv. 

Lost Founi, The^ By H. V/. Long- 
feiio-'v. From " Evangeline. " 

Mick Tandy's RevengCo An interest- 
ing and pathetic Irish story- 



Nay, I'll Stay with the Lad. A touch- 
ing tale of the mines. 

Old Year and the New, The. A New 
Year's selection. 

Phantom Ship, The. By Celia Thaxter. 
A terrible tale of a slave ship. 

Railway Matinee, A. The perplexities 
of the fat deaf man. 

Rev. Gabe Tucker's Remarks. Negro 
sermon with a good moral. 

Rizpah. Pathetic. Parts to be sung. 

Schoolmaster Beaten, The. By 
Charles Dickens. Dramatic charac- 
terization. 

Shriving of Guinevere, The. By S. 
Weir Mitchell. Dramatic and pleas- 
ing. 

Sky, The. By Ruskin. Beautiful 
description, 

Symoathy. Humorous. 

Tammy's Prize. A pathetic Scotch 
storv. 

Theology in the Quarters. Negro 
dialect. 

Tilghman's Ride. Patriotic and dra- 
matic. 

To the Survivors of Bunker Hii;. 
Bv Daniel Webster. Patriotic. 

Tragedy, The. A picture of life. 

True Story of Little Boy Blue* A 
pleasing child's selection. 

Wayside Inn. The. By Adelaide A, 
Proctor. A pleasing, pathetic story. 



SftoemaRer's Best Selections— Ho. ii 



Apostrophe to the Ocean, by Byron. 
Superior for vocal training. 

Bobolink, The. Lively and humorous. 
Good for bird-tones. 

Catching the CoSt. For young folks. 

Child Martyr, The. A story of Scotch 
persecution. 

Clown's Baby, The. A pleasing fron- 
tier story. 

Convict's Soliloquy, The. Intensely 
dramatic. 

Death of Little Dombey. PatheLic. 

Dutchman's Snake, The. Amusing. 

Echo and the Ferry, by Jean Ingelow. 
A beautiful descripiive poem. 

Flash.— The -^ireman's btory,by Will 
Carleton. A humorous sLor> . 

Foxes' Talis, The ; also known as 
Sandy MacDonald's Signal. Scotch. 
Very amusins:. Exceedingh' popular. 

Freckled -faced Girl, The. A humor- 
ous characterization of a pert young 
girl. 

Front Gate, The. A humorous story 
as told bv the gate. 

Froward buster. The, by R. J. Bur- 
dette. Very funny. 

Grandmother's Apology, The, by 
Tennyson. Old lady characterization, 

Jerry. A spirited story of an Irish 
newsboy. 

Lisping Lover, The. Humorous. En- 
core. 



Little Gottlieb's Christmas, by Phoebe 

Car>-. A German Christmas story. 
Mice at Piay. A very amusing story. 
Mona's Waters. Dramatic and path- 
etic. 
Nicodemus Dodge, by Mark Twain. 

Very lunny. 
No Kiss. Retaliation. Encore. 
Old Year and the New, The, by 

Josephine Pollard. For New Vear. 
One Mower for Nelly. A touching 

Easter story. 
Queen Vashti's Lament. Pathetic 

passion. 
Rock Me to Sleep. Musical, tender. 
Romance of a hammock. Clever hu- 
mor. 
Shadow of Doom, The. Dramatic. 
Song of the Mystic, by Father Ryan. 

Deeply spiritual and of rare beauty. 
Sunday Fishin'. Dialect, amusing. 
Supposed Speech of John Adams. 

Patriotic, standard. 
Telephonic Conversation, A, by Mark 

Twain. Very fuimy. 
Thora. A Norwegian love-story. 
Ticket=o'=Leave, by George R, Sims. 

A stirring story. 
Wedding of Shon Maclean. A stirring 

story of a Scotch wedding. 
Where's Annette? Dramatic, thrilling. 
Wonders of Genealogy, The. Things 

are somewhat mixed. 



Sl^oemaRer's Best Selectiotts -Ro. 12 



Aunty Doleful's Visit. Mock conso- 
lation. 

Aux Italiens, by Lord Lytton. Singing 
parts. Very popular. 

Ballad of Cassandra Brown , The. An 
elocutionarv travestv. 

Battle Flag at Shenandoah, The. A 
tale of heroism. 

Bells, The, by Edgar Allen Poe. Ex- 
cellent for vocal drill. 

Bells Across the Snow. A short 
Christmas poem. 

Bishop's Visit, The. A bov's piece. 

Blind Poet's Wife, The. Intensely 
interesting. 

Book Canvasser, The. Humorous. 

Brother's Tribute, A. Lofty patriot- 
ism. Dramatic. 

Country School, The. A lively school 
scene. ^ 

Duelist's Victory, The. A noble re- 
venge. 

Engineer's Making Love, The, by 
R. T. Burdette. Courting on the rail. 

Fall of Pemberton Mill, The, by 
Elizabeth Stuart Phelps. Unusually 
strong and popular. 

Felon's C«»ll, A. \^ery dramatic. 

Fly's Cogitations, A. Amusing. 

Good=bye. A feminine good-bye. 

How Girls Study. Impersonation. 

How the Gospel Came to Jim Oaks. 
A tale of Christmas in a mining camp. 



Jesus, Lover of My Soul. Spiritual 

and beautiful. Parts to be sung. 
Jimmy Brown's Steam Chair. Very 

amusing. 
Lasca. incident of a Texas cattle 

ranch. Dramxatic and pathetic. 
Legend of the Keautiful, by H. W. 

Longfellow. Strongly spiritual. 
Lincoln's LaFt Dresm. Pathetic. 
Maister and the Bairns, The. Scotch. 

Spiritual. 
Newsboy's Debt, The. Pathetic and 

touching. 
Old Letters. vSad memories they 

recall. 
Over the Orchard Fence. The old 

farmer's story. 
Poor-House Nan. A strong temperance 

piece. 
Popular Science Catechism. Humor- 
ous. Explanation of the opera. 
Receiving Calls. Trying experience 

of a minister's wife. Humorous, 
Santa Claus in the Mines. A touching 

Christmas story. 
Serenade, The.' Encore. 
She Cut His Hair. Funny. 
Skeleton's Story, The. Very dramatic. 
Teddy McQuire and Paddy O'Flynn. 

Iri=;h. Ver^• amusing. 
Ter'ble 'Sperience, A. Negro dialect. 
Total Annihilation. Encore. 
Wendell PliilliDs. A noble tribute. 



SftoeiiiaRers Best Sekctloits— Ho. I5 



Ancient Miner's Story, The, by Will 
Carieton. The emptiness of riclies. 

Aristarchus Studies Elocution. Hu- 
morous. 

At Last, by John G.Whittier. SpirituaL 

Aunt Polly's George Washington. 
Negro dialect; humorous. 

Banford's Burglar Alarm. Amusing. 

Canada. A tribute to her people. 

Chase, The. Very dramatic. 

Child's Dream of a Star, A. Pathetic. 

Chopper's Child, The, by Alice Gary. 
A wholesome Thanksgiving lesson. 

Ego et Echo, by John G. Saxe. Hu- 
morous. Affords vocal opportunities. 

Griffith liammerton. A pathetic and 
stimulating Scotch story. 

In the Signal Box, by George R. Sims. 
A thrilling and pathetic story of a 
station master. 

Jehoshaphat's Deliverance. A lofty, 
poetical, and inspiring description. 

Lady Rohesia, The. Amusing. 

Little Quaker Sinner, The. The 
vanity of dress. 

Lead the Way. Inspiring. 

Legend of the Organ Builder. One 
of the most popular selections ever 
written. 

Let the Angels Ring the Bells. A 
ringing Christmas poem. 

Lord Dundreary in the Country. An 
amusing extract. 



Marit and I. A pleasing love story. 

Mary's Night Ride, by George W« 
Cable. Dramatic and very populiir, 

** Marry Me, Darlint, To=aight." 
Irish, humorous. Encore. 

Memorial Day. Patriotic. 

Methodist Class Meeting, A. York- 
shire dialect. 

Mine Shildren. German dialect. 

Mother and Poet, by Mrs. Browning, " 
Dramatic, pathetic, and popular. 

New Cure for Rheumatism, A, by R. 
J. Burdette. Very amusing. 

Old Continentals, The. Patriotic. 

Old Man Goes to Town, The. An old 
farmer's pathetic story. 

Only. A good temperance piece. 

Out to Old Aunt Mary's, by Jam^s 
Whitcomb Riley. Very popular. 

Playing School. A child's piece. En- 
core. 

Public Speech. Instructive. 

Regulus to the Carthagenians. Fa- 
miliar but always popular. 

Song of the American Eagle. Patri- 
otic. 

Spring Poet, The. Humorous. 

Two Stammerers, The. Very amusing. 

Uncle Ben. A spirited child's story. 
Very pathetic. 

V-a-s-e, The. Very funny. 

Yose^ite, The. A sublime description. 

Zarafi. Heroic and stirring. 



$i)oemai{er'$ Best Selections— no. w 



Ballad of the Wicked Nephew, by 

James T. Fields. Humorous. 
Battle of Morgarten, by Mrs. He- 
mans. A poem of Swiss heroism. 
Be a Woman, by Dr. Edward Brooks, 

A. M. On the duty of mothers. 
Bill and Joe, by Oliver Wendell 

Holmes. Pleasing humor. 
Brudder Yerkes's Sermon. Negro 

dialect. 
Child is Father to the Man, The. A 

touching child's story. Scotch. 
Cow and the Bishop, The. Humorous. 
Culprit, A. Verv amusing. 
Daniel Gray, by j. G. Holland. Moral. 
Day is Done, The, by Longfellow. 

Reflective and verv beautiful. 
Death of Steerforth, The, by Charles 

Dickens. Dramatic. 
Drummer Boy of Mission Ridge, The. 

Patriotic and stirring. 
Finding of the Cross, The. For mis- 
sionary meetings. 
Going for the Cows. Country sights 

and sounds. 
Her Laddie's Picture. Touching. 
Jimmy Brown's Sister^s Wedding. 

A very amusing boy's piece. 
June, by James Russell Lowell. A fine 

poem. 
Jupiter and Ten. Amusing. Encore. 
King Harold's Speech to His Army. 

Heroic. 



Life Boat, The. Very pathetic. 

Miseries of War, The. Oratorical. 

Mither's Knee, A. Scotch. 

Money Musk. Description of a Negro 
dance. 

Mother's Portrait, A. Very pathetic. 

*' Nearer Home." Tender, spiritual. 

Night Watch, The. Very dramatic. 

Pockets. Good description. 

Romance of the Rood=Loft, A. A 
musical courtship. 

Romance of the Swan's Nest, The, by 
Mrs. Browning. Pleasing description. 

School Boy on Corns, A. Humorous. 

Second Trial, A. A touching story of 
a little sister's sympath}'- and love. 

Sister Agatha's Ghost. An interest- 
ing Yorkshire story. 

Smile an^ the Sigh, The. Encore. 

Sweetest Picture, The, by Alice 
Gary. Tender and beautiful. 

Tear of Repentance, A. Beautiful 
description. 

Tender Heart, The. Encore. 

Three Leaves from a Boy's Diary. 
Amusincr. Good boy's piece. 

Victor of Marengo, The. Soul-stirring. 

What We Did with the Cow. Amus- 
ing. 

Widow Cummiskey, The. Sharp 
Irish wit. 

Ulysses, by Tennyson. Fine descrip- 
Mon. 



SbocmaRcr's Best $ek«lon$— n?!. 



bachelors. The. Amusing. 
Barthoidi Statue, The. Eloquent. 
Becalmed. A dramatic poem. 
Brave Aunt Katy. Religious. 
♦Commerce, by Edward Everett. A 

lofty tribute. 
Concord Love Song, A. Encore. 
David's Lament for Absalom, by N. 

P. Willis. Pathetic and popular. 
Death of Jezebel, The. Very dramatic. 
Der Oak und der Vine. German dia- 
lect. 
Fading Leaf, The, by Gail Hamilton. 

A beautiful description of Nature^ 
Fall In! i860, by George W. Cable. 

A spirited description. 
Flag of the Rainbow. Patriotic. 
Grant's Place in History. A high 

tribute. 
Gray Champion, The, by Nathaniel 

Hawthorne. Historic, interesting. 
Guessing Nationalities, by Mark 

Twain. Exceedingly clevei humor. 
In the Children's Hospital, by Tenny- 
son. Spiritual and pathetic. 
Ireland to be Ruled by Irishmen, by 

William E. Gladstone. Eloquent. 
Jem's Last Ride. Exciting, 
King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, 

by Tennyson. A lofty, dramatic, and 

pathetic extract. 
Kiss Deferred, The. A pleasing and 

popular poem. 



Little Foxes, by R. J. Burdette. An 
instructive semi-humorous selection. 

Little Maid With Lovers Twain. A 
dilemma. Scotch. 

Lullaby. For little folks. May be sung 
or recited. 

Manhood, by George K. Morris. Up- 
lifting and inspiring. 

Mr. Beecher and the Waifs. A tender 
tribute to the great preacher. 

Mrs. Pickett's Missionary Box. For 
church or missionary meetings. 

Music in Camp ; frequently called 
Music on the Rappahannock. An 
incident of the Civil War. 

Old Roundsman's Story, An. For 
Christmas. 

Our First Experience with a Watch- 
dog, by Fran'k R. Stockton. Amusing. 

Perfectly, Awfully, Lovely 5tory, A. 
An ccsthetic exajigeration. 

Price of a Drink, The. Temperance. 

She Wanted to Hear it Again. Encore. 

Song for the Conquered, A. Instruct- 
ive and helpful. 

Three Kings, The, b^^ Longfellow. A 
fine Christmas selection. 

Tragedy on Past Participles, A. Am- 
using. For educational meetings. 

Two Runaways, The. Negro dialect. 
Very amusing. 

Watch Night, by Horatius Bonar. Re- 
ligious. New Year's Eve. 



SboemaKer's Best $ekctloii$— Ro. le 



iCsthetic Craze, The. Humorous. 
Back from the War, by T. De Witt 

Talmage. Good for G. A. R. occasions. 
Battle Hymn, The. Lofty, impressive. 

Good for teaching. 
Calls. The' nature of a ministerial call. 

Amusing. 
Chariot Race, The, by Lew Wallace. 

From "Ben Hur." Exciting, popular. 
Christening, The. An amusing mis- 
take in the baptism of a child. 
Cicely Croak. A pleasing story of 

rustic courtship. 
Curse to' Labor, The, by T. V. Powder- 

ly. A strong plea for temperance. 
Day of Judgment, The, by Elizabeth 

Stuart Phelps. An amusing incident. 
Decoration Day. A patriotic tribute. 
Elf Child, The, bv James Whitcomb 

Riley. "The Gobble-uns '11 Git You." 

Popular. 
First View of the Heavens. Lofty 

description. 
From the Shore of Eternity. Reflect- 
ive and impressive. 
General Grant's English, by Mark 

Twain. A stirring vindication. 
Qinevra. Dramatic, thrilling. 
Jimaiy Hoy. One of the very best 

of Samuci Lover's laughable Irish 

stories. 
Legend cf the Earth, by Jean Rameau. 

A lofty description of the creation. 



Lily Servoss's Ride, by Judge Tourgee. 
A thrilling Ku-Klux story. 

Lost Child, The. An exciting poem.. 

Messaged the Dove, The. An inspir- 
ing Easter story. 

Mourner a la Mode, The, by John G. 
Saxe. An amusing satire. 

New South, The, 'by H. W. Grady. 
Patriotic, graphic, glowing. 

Old Fireplace, The. Pleasing pictures 
of childhood. 

Old Man and Jim ; An Old Sweet- 
heart of Mine. Two of James W^h it- 
comb Rile3''s most popular readings. 

Portrait, The, by Lord Lytton. Very 
dramatic and exceedingly popular. 

Swan Song, The. An exceedingly 
touching and powerful storv. 

TeI!=Tale Heart, The, bv Edgar Allen 
Poe. Dramatic confession of a mur- 
der. 

Thanksgiving in Boston Harbor. For 
Thanksgiving Da3^ 

Topsy's First Lesson. From "Uncle 
Tom's Cabin." Very amusing. 

Toussaint L'Ouverture, by Wendell 
Phillips. An eloquent tribute. 

Two Queens in Westminster. A 
strong, historic poem. 

Uncle, The. Intensely dramatic. 

While We May. Pathetic, tender. 

Wi>doin Dearly Purchased, by Ed^ 
mund Burke. Lofty patriotism. 



SDoeitiakefs B«$t Selections— Ho, i? 



Army of the Potomac, by Joaquin 

Miller. For G. A. i<. meetings. 

Aunt Melissy on lioys, by J. T. 
Trowbridg-e. A story of intoxicated 
turke\-s. 

Aunt jsylvia's First Lesson in Geo- 
graphy. Amusing. Negro dialect. 

Boat Race, Thj. A spirited descrip- 
tion. The girls' crew wins. 

Courting: and Science. For teachers' 
meetings. Humorous. 

Dead on the Field of Honor. Lofty 
description. 

Easter Morning, by Henry Ward 
Beecher. Eastertide selection. 

First Thanksgiving, The. A ringing, 
musical poem. 

Gdrfield Statue, The, by Grover Cleve- 
land. An eloquent tribute. 

Heavenly Guest, The, by Celia Thax- 
ter. A poem for church occasions. 

How We Fought the Fire, by Will 
Carleton. Anmsing. 

Inge, the Boy King. A dramatic 
story of ancient Norway. 

Jimmy Brown's Prompt Obedience. 
Very funny. 

John Burns, of Gettysburg, by Bret 
Harte. Patriotic, yet amusing. 

Land of Thus=and=So, The, hv James 
Whitcomb Riley. For little folks. 

Legend of Rabbi Ben Levi, The, by 
Longfellow. A beautiful lesrend. 



Lexington, by Oliver Wendell Holmes. 

A stirring, lofty, and patriotic poem. 
Little Match GirS, The. A touching 

Christmas story for children. 
Lord Dundreary's Riddles. Droll 

humor. Dude imitation. 
Lost. An intensely strong and 

dramatic temperance selection. 
Luw=backed Car, The. By Samuel 

Lover. Humorous and musical. 
Minuet, The. Introducing the minuet 

step. Very popular. 
Miss vVitchhazel and Mr. Thistlepad, 

by R. J. Burdette. How a -city girl 

learned to farm. 
Monk's Magnificat, The. Introducing 

a chant. Lofty and spiritual. 
Mother-in-Law, The, by Ella Wheeler 

Wilcox. The bitterness of love. 
Mr. Brown Has His Hair Cut. A very 

amusing and popular piece. 
Nurse Winnie Goes Shopping. Irish 

dialect. Humorous. 
Ride of Collins Graves, The. Thrill- 
ing incident of a bursting dam. 
Rover in Church. A pleasing story 

for children. 
Sent Back by the Angels. Pathetic. 
Usual Way, The. A trood encore. 
Waipole's Attack on Pitt. Oratorical. 
What is a Minority? by John B. 

GouR-h. Eloquent. 
Wild Night at Sea, A. Dramatic. 



Si^oentaiker's Best Selections— Ho. i$ 



Absolution, by E. Nesbit. An excep- 
tionally strong and popular poem. 

Abigail Fisherl^ Rustic dialect. 

Appeal for Temperance, by Henry W. 
Grady. An eloquent address. 

At the Stage Door. Touching kind- 
ness of an actress. 

Auctioneer's Gift, The. A short, af- 
fecting story. 

Bad Boy's Diary, A, He would be a 
prestidigitator. 

Blind Man's Testimony, The. A short 
Scripture story. 

Charity Grinder and the Postmaster- 
General. A humorous mistake. 

Cowboy's Sermon, The. Some Scrip- 
ture truths plainly stated. 

Come and be Shone. Humorous ac- 
count of a lively bootblack. 

Daniel Periton's Ride, by Albion W. 
Tourgee. A thrilling incident. 

Defence of the Bride, The. A strong 
dramatic story. 

Death Bridge of the Tay, The, by 
Will Carleton. A stirring story. 

Famished Heart, A. A story worth 
repeating. 

Gets Dhere, by Charles Pollen Adams. 
Homely truths in German dialect. 

How Ben Fargo's Claim was Jumped. 
An interesting frontier incident. 

Imph-m. A popular bit of Scotch dia- 
lect. 



Little Charlie's Christmas. A path- 
etic Christmas story. 

Nathan Hale, the Martyr Spy. A 
dramatic incident of the Revolution. 

New Series of Census Questions. 
Humorous. 

Noses. A boy's composition. Amusing. 

O'Grady's Goat. Irish dialect. Hu- 
morous. 

Packet of Letters, A. Clever humor. 

Pilgrims, The,byChaunceyM.Depew. 
A tribute to the New England fathers. 

She Liked Him Rale Wee!. Pleasing 
Scotch dialect. 

Squarest Vn Among 'Em, The. A 
touching newsboy's story. 

St. Martin and the Beggar, by 
Margaret E. Sangster. For Sunday- 
schools. 

Tastes, by James Whitcomb Riley. 
Rustic humor. Encore. 

Timothv Horn. His unique courtship. 

Tobe's Monument. One of the most 
pathetic and popular stories evet 
written. 

Two Christmas Eves, by E. Nesbit. 
A dramatic and pathetic poem. 

Volunteer Organist, The, by S. W. 
Foss. Rustic, pathetic, and popular. 

Wanted to See His Old Home. AfTect- 
iTig Story of an old negro. 

WhistSing Regiment, The. An in- 
cident of the Civil War. Popular, 



Sft0e!MaMer'$ Best SeSectiOKS— Ho. 19 



Address to the Toothache, by Robert 
Funis. Humorous Scotch dialect. 

Ballad of the Wayfarer, by Robert 
Buchaiiau. Patheiic and pleasing-. 

Beware, by Longfellow. Encore. 

Bridget O' Flanagan. Irish humor. 

Col J, Hard Cash. Encore. 

Courting in Kentucky. Rustic, hu- 
morous, taking. 

Divided, by Jean Ingelow. A beauti- 
ful and pathetic descriptive poem. 

Doctor's Story, The-. Amusing. 

Dream of Fair Women, A, by 
Tennyson. Fine description. 

Drop of Water, The. Very dramatic. 

Dumb Savior, The. A powerful tem- 
perance story. 

Getting On. An old man's reveries. 

Glacier Bed, The. A thrilling story of 
an Alpine guide. 

Her Laugh— in Four Fits. Encore. 

How Uncle Podger Hung a Picture, 
by Jerome K. Jerome. Very laugh- 
able. 

Jacqueminot=Rose Sunday. A pleas- 
ing hospital incident. 

Joe Sieg. A story of an heroic railroad 
engineer. 

Lady of Shalott, The, by Tennyson. 
Popular with the best readers. 

Lost Lesson, The. A touching 
school scene. 



Lecture by the New Male Star. Ef- 
forts of a iemaie reporter. Humorous. 

Mary Alice Smith, by James Whit- 
comb Riley. A quaint story. 

Midnight in London. Vivid descrip- 
tion of the great city by gaslight. 

Mother's Mending Basket. A dc 
liglitful home picture. 

Oh, the Golden, Glowing Morning 1 
For Easter day. 

Queer Boy, A. Humorous. 

Reuben James. A tribute to the 
courage of a sailor. 

Siege of the Alamo. Patriotic. 

Summerset Folks, The. Encore. 

Swipesey's Christmas Dinner. How 
the newsboys "chipped in." 

Toboggan Slide, The. An embarrass- 
ing situation. 

Tola of Mustard Seed, The, by Sir 
Edwin Arnold. A sad but beautiful 
lesson. 

Tragedy in the Sunshine, A. Dra- 
matic. 

Tray. An interesting story of a dog's 
brave deed. 

True Bostoman at Heaven's Gate, A. 
Encore. 

Twilight at Nazareth. Fine descrip- 
tion. 

War=horn of the Elfings, by William 
Morris. Beautiful description. 



SDoemaMef $ Best Sekctions— Ro* 20 



All Things Shall Pass Away. An 

interesting Persian tale. 

Aunt PhiSlis's Guest. Spiritual. 

Billy. Who wasn't good like his 
brother Daniel. 

Boys Wantedo A good piece for boys. 

Bridget's Soliloquy. Dialect. En- 
tertaining, 

Casualty, A. Touching story of a 
bootblack. 

Condensed Telegram, The. Humor. 

Coaching the Rising Star. A strik- 
ing lesson in dramatic elocution. 

Doctor's Story, The, by Bret Harte. 
A touching incident of the Civil War. 

Early Start, An. A minister's pro- 
gram not completely carried out. 

Elopement in '75. A stirring love 
story of the Revolution. 

Fortunes of War, The. A sad story 
of the Civil War. 

Following the Advice of a Physician. 
Very amusing. 

Getting Acquainted. Encore 

He Worried About It, by S. W. Foss. 
Droll humor. 

Hullo. Cheering. Very popular. 

1 Will Not Leave You Comfortles . 
Apathetic tale of mountain life. 

Josiar. Country courtship. Encore. 

Judy O'Shea Sees Hamlet. She de- 
scribes the play in true Irish fashion. 

Little Margery. Childhood's faith 
and trust. 



Little Busy Bees. How they gather 

honey at a church fair. 
Me and Jim. Rustic characterization: 

pathetic, strong. 
MiHais's "Huguenots." A pathetic 

love story of the eve of St. Bartholo- 
mew. 
Naughty Kitty Clover. For little 

girls. 
Not in the Programme. An affecting 

incident in the life of an actress. 
Obstructive Hat in the Pit. Very 

amusing. 
Perfect Wife, The. A valuable lesson. 

Suited for church fairs. 
Poor Rule, A. Encore. 
Rajput Nurse, A, by Edwin Arnold. 

A thrilling Eastern story. 
Riding on a Rail. Amusing incidents 

on a train. 
Skimpsey. A thrilling and pathetic 

story of a horse jockey. 
Song of the Market Place. A power- 
ful picture of poverty, pity, music. 

and charity. 
Tale of Sweethearts, A, by George R 

Sims. A thrilling heart story. Dia- 

lect. 
Their First Spat, A young couple's 

first quarrel. Humorous. 
Uncle Noah's Oho&t. How he searched 

for and found it. Amusing, 
Wedding, The, by Southey. The 

dark side of the picture. 



SDoemaker's Best Sckctious— no. n 



Babies, by Jerome K. Jerome. Humor- 
ous. 
Because. Encore. 
Benediction, The, by Francois Coppee. 

A strong: poem introducing a chant. 
Betrothed, Th«, by Rudyard Kipling. 

Diliiculty of choosing. Humorous. 
Bridal of Malahide, The. Heroic and 

pathetic. 
Clive, by Robert Browning-. Very dra- 
matic and exceedingly popular. 
Contentment. Reflections of a lazy 

man. 
Crossing the Bar, by Tennyson. One 

of his latest and most beautiful poems. 
Cry in the Darkness, The— The Sen= 

tinel's Alarm. A story of Indian 

treachery. 
Deacon's ^Downfall, The. How he 

was converted by a sweet soprano. 
Dreamin' o' Home. Pathetic. 
Emergency, An. A kind heart often 

found under a coarse coat. 
Flag at Shenandoah, The, by Joaquin 

Miller. Faithtul unto death. 
H'anthem, The. Encore. 
Herod. Highly dramatic. 
Her Perfect Lover. Encore. 
Italian's Views of the Labor Ques=' 

tion. Dialect. Humorous. 
Lvdia's k^ide. An incident of the Brit- 
ish occupation of Philadelphia. 
Men at Gloucester. Dramatic rescue 

of men at sea. 



Napoleon's Advice to an Actor. A 

hint to readers and actors. 
Old Canteen, The. A mother's story 

of her two sons who took opposite 

sides in the war. 
Old Vote tor " Young Marster, " An. 

A good story. iNegro dialect. 
Overboard. Pathetic description of a 

man washed overboard at sea. 
Papa Was btumped. He couldn't do 
_ i I actions. 
i'uzzte, A. Encore. 
Revenge, The, by Tennyson. An he- 
roic sea-fight. 
Seaweed. A beautiful fanciful poem. 
Sir Hugo's Choice. A strong story of 

love and dutw 
Sisterly Scheme, A. How a young 

girl supplanted her older sister. Very 

popular. 
St. Patrick's Day. Irish dialect. 
Stranded Bugle, The. A pleasing, 

fanciful poem. 
Thar Was Jim. Pathetic. 
That Sugar=Plum Tree. For children. 
Two Gentlemen of Kentucky. Fine 

negro characterization. 
Uncertain Pledge, An. Encore. 
Unregistered Record, An. A negro 

jockey's story of a mad race. 
What Else Could He Do? Encore. 
Winnie's Welcome. A jolly Irish piece. 
Woman's Career. Clever humor. 
Worse than Marriage. Encore. 



$!)oe»tia!ier'$ Best Selections— Ho. 22 



Ah Vet's Christmas. A pathetic story 
of a little Chinese boy. 

Big Enough Family, A. A little boy's 
opinion of babies. 

By the Alma. Astory of Scotch hero- 
ism. 

Deacon's Week, The. Good for Mis- 
sionary occasions. 

Easter wsth Parepa, An. A power- 
fully pathetic Easter story. 

Fall In. For G. A. R. occasions. 

Fate of Sir John Franklin, The. A 
pathetic poem of Arctic adventure. 

Gowk's Errant and WhatCam'0't,A. 
A very amusin,a: story done in Scotch. 

H'^'^-ar, A dramatic picture of the de- 
parture of Hagar from Abraham's tent. 

Hilda. A strong; story of the power of 
a woman's love. 

Hilda's Little Hood, by Hjalmer 
Hjorth Boyeson. A pleasing poem. 

His Sister. Encore. 

Hunt, The, A sturited description. 

Joan of Arc's Farewell. Lofty and 
pathetic. 

^ock Johnston, the Tinkler. A story 
of love and chivalry. 

Leap=year Mishaps. As told by an 
old maid. 

Little Black Phil. A touching incident 
of the Civil War. 

L,ost Puppy, The. A humorous poem. 



Marguerite. For Decoration Day. 
Pathetic and tender. 

Mr. Kris Kringle, by Dr. S. Weir Mit- 
chell. A touching Christmas story. 

Mr. Potts' Story, by Max Adeler. Mrs. 
Potts curbs her husband's tendency to 
exaggeration. 

My Double and How He Undid Me, by 
Edward Everett Hale. Humorous. 

Mysterious Portrait, The. Amusing. 

My Vesper Song. Parts to be sung. 

Not Ashamed of Ridicule. An excel- 
lent bov's story. 

Old Wife, The. Pathetic. 

On the Other Train. Very pathetic 
and popular. 

Rural Infelicity. Amusing. 

Scallywag. Teaches a good lesson. 

Soul of the Violin. A strong, pathetic 
storv of an old musician. 

Teacher's Diadem, The. Appropriate 
for Sabbath-schools. 

Teaching a Sunday=5chooI Class. A 
young lawyer's first experience. Hu- 
morous. 

Them Oxen. Great-grandmother's 
story of how the oxen drew two hearts 
together. 

Wind and the Moon, The, by George 
MacDonald. For Children. 

Work, Work Away. Instructive and 
stimulating. 



SboesnaRer's Best SeScctions-nc. 23 



Bells of Brookline, The. How liiey 

announced die end of me Civil War. 

Benefits of the Constitution, by 

Daniel Webster. UraLoncal and pa- 
triotic. 

Busy. A bad speil and its results. 

Chickadee, The. For ciiiidren. Oppor- 
tuniLy for bird notes. 

Close 01 the Battie of Waterloo, 
by Victor Hugo. Full of draraatic 
power. 

Count Qistnond, by Robert Browning. 
Dramaiic and chivalric. 

Dance of Death, The, b}' Sir Walter 
Scott. A weird battie description. 

Dead Pussy Cat, The. Child charac- 
terization. 

Eari Sigurd's Christmas Eve. A 
spirited Xorse Christmas stor^'. 

Easter Eve-at Kerak=Moab. A thrill- 
ing and dramatic Easter ta'.e. 

Execution of Andre. Vivid descrip- 
tion. 

Execution of Sydney Carton, by 
Charles Dickens. An intensely dra- 
matic storv of the French Revolution. 

How We kept the Day, by Will 
Carleton. For 4th of July. Humor- 
ous, rollicking. 

Influence of Great Actions, The, by 
Daniel Webster. Instructive. eloquent. 

Jimmy Brown's Attempt to Produce 
Freckles. Very amusing. 

sihoeiuaRer's Be$t 

Art of Bookkeeping, The, by Thomas 
Hood. A humorous and exceedingly 
ingenious play upon words. 

Ballad of Beau Brocade, The. Ancient 
tale of highwaymen of the last cen- 
turv. 

Battie of Bannockburn, The. Vivid 
description. 

Battle of Zaraila, by Ouida. A thrill- 
ing picture. 

Black Zeph's Pard. A miner's tale. 
Pathetic. 

Change of Heart, A, Encore. 

Colored Philosophy. Negro dialect. 
Humorous. 

Constantius and the Lion, by George 
Crolv. Dramatic and thrillin.c 

Courting of T'nowhead's Bell, The. 
Ati amusing Scotch prose piece. 

Crime Revealed by Conscience, by 
Daniel Webster. Oratorical. 

Death of Carver Doon, The, by R. D. 
Blackmore. Ver>- drasnatic. 

Execution of Lady De Winter, by 
Alexander Dumas. A gruesome tale. 

Foreign Views of the Statue. 
Thoughts sug:ge-teti to the immigrants 
on fiVst seeiiig Bartlioldi's statue. 
Amusing: and verv popular. 

Getting the Right Start by J. G. Hol- 
land. Excellent advice to voung men. 

How the La Rue Stakes Were Lost. 
A touching and thrilling storv of the 
rescue of a child from under the 
horses' feet 



Literary Nigntmare, A, by Mark 

Twain. \'er>- funny and \er\- popular. 
My Fountain Pen, by Robert J. 

Burdette. rvlost amusing. 
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. A 

beauiiiul paraphrase. 
Owvhee Joe's Story. A tale of the 

Wild V^'est. 
Phcsbe's Exploit. How a little girl 

saved a train. 
Saunders McGlashan's Courtship. 

A very popular piece of Scotch humors 
Saved by a Boy. Teaches a lesson 

of honesty. For little folks. 
Tommy's Dead. Pathetic. 
True Eloquence. A hue definition. 
Used=to=be, The, by James Whitcomb 

Riley. A quaint and fanciful poem. 
Warwick, the King Maker, by Lord 

Lytton. Historic and dramatic. 
When de Darkey am a=Whi3tiin' in 

de Co'n. A plantation song. 
What Tvliss Edith Saw from Her 

Window, Humorous. 
When I Was a Boy, by Eugene Field. 

Pleasing memories of bovhood. 
When the Light Goes Out. Whole- 
some advice in pleasing doses. 
Whirling Wheel, The. Cheer to the 

h.eavv laden. 
Wreck of "The Northern Belle," 

by Edwin Arnold. A tale of the 

treacherous sea. Dramatic. 

iJllCtJJilS— Ho. 24 

Incident of the French Camp, An. 

Pathetic and dramatic. 
John Brown's Body. An incident oi 

the Civil War. 
Mammy Gets the Boy to Sleep. 

Negro dialect. Amusing. 
Miss Eva's Visit to the Ogre. A 

very pleasir.g story for children. 
Murder of Nancy Sykes, The, by 
Charles Dickens. Highly dramatic. 
One=legg€d Goose, The. A plan- 
tation story. Exceedingly funny. 
Organ-tempest of Lucerne, The. 

A beautiful description. 
Point Sublime, Colorado Canon. 

Lofty and impressi\e description. 
Rock=a=by Lady, The, Eugene Field, 
I A pleasing song for little folks. 
j Schoo!=bcys' Strike, by R. J. Bur-^ 
I deite. \'ery amusing, 
j Seem' Thin-gs, by Eugene Field. Eed- 
j time experiences. 
i Spelling Bee at Angei's, by Br-et 
I Harte. Incidents attending a frontier 
! spelling bee. 

I Strike at Colchester, The. How the 
; women went on a strike — and how 
i they returned. Amiusing. 
' Tribute to Our Honored Dead, A, by 
; H. W. Beecher. Oratorica';. 
' Washington's A ddress to His Troops, 
: Patriotic and inspiring. 

When Summer Says Qood=by. KoU 
I hcking humor. Negro dialect. 



SboettidKcr's Best Selections- ilo. 25 



Ape and the Thinker, The. Kum- 
orous. 

Back in War Days. An inspiring 
stor}- for Decoration Day. 

Calf Path, The. Amusing and sug- 
gestive. 

Chrysanthenaum, The, Clever hu- 
mor. 

Cuba Libre, by Joaquin Miller. Spain's 
cruelty and injustice set forth. 

Death of Robespierre, by George 
Lippard. Dramatic and realistic. 

Delayed In Transmissloo. How an 
unruly tongue blocked an important 
message. 

Dr. Lanyon's Narrative. Dramatic 
extract from Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde. 

ExeCMtion, The. An exciting story of 
My Lord Tomnoddy, Humorous. 

Extendlo'^ Credit. Encore. 

Fiddle ^ Ady The. A touching story 
of a convict's liberation. 

Fight with the Aurochs, The. A 
thrilling tale of cruelly, heroism, 
and love, from " Quo Vadis." 

Finnigin to Flannigan. An exceed- 
inglv clever bit of Irish humor. 

From the Valley o' the Shadder. 
Affection for a kitten and its conse- 
quences. 

Grand Advance, The. Heroic inci- 
dent of the Civil War. 

He Understood. Encore. 



How June Found Massa Linkum. A 

very pathetic piece. 
I Qo'Flshin'. Humorous. 
King's Decree, The. Norseland 

chivalry. A fine poem. 

Little Bugler's Alarm, The. A 
touching story of the kaflir War. 

Little Visitor, A. For young folks. 

My Last Duchess, by Robert Brown- 
i ing. A strong narrative poem. 
{ Night, by Jerome K. Jerome, Beauti- 
ful description. 
I Offering for Cuba, An. A tale oi 
Spanish cruelty. 

Napoleon Bonaparte and Touissant 
L'Ouverture. A strong prose selec- 
tion 

'Ostler Joe, by George R. Sims. A 
story of unfaltering love. 

Practical Regeneration. An excellent 
church selection. 

Recessional, by Rudyard Kipling. A 
beautiful spiritual poem. 
j RJzpah, by Tennyson. Strongly dra- 
i malic. 

Settin' up with Peggy McKeag. 
From "The Latimers." Clever Scotch 
humor for church occasions. 

Stop Yer Kickin'. Full of cheer. 

What's the Difference ? Encore. 

Widow Mysie, The, by Robert Buchi 
anan. A fine piece of humor. 



SDoctnaKer's Best Selections— no. 26 



After the Fourth of July. Young 
America's appreciation of Independ- 
ence Day. 

Avalanche of Drugs, An. Very hu- 
morous. 

Baltic of Dundee, The. A humorous 
incident of the Boer War. 

Battle of Manila. A vivid poetic de- 
scription. 

BJlSy, He's In Trouble. Droll numor. 

Black Death of Bergen, i he, by Lord 
Diifferin. A wier<.l Norse tale. 

Bull of Bashan, A. D.amatic story of 
a Mexican rancher. 

Cavalry Charge, The. A stirring 
martial poem. 

Corporal Dick's Promotion, by Conan 
Doyle. Intensely dramatic and pa- 
thetic. 

Dave Flint's Temptatiori. A strong 
tetnperance storv. Scotch dialect. 

Emir's Game of Chess, The. A strong 
oriental tale. 

Every=day Case, An. A pathetic story 
ot real life. 

Happy Farmer, The, Droll humor. 

How Christmas Came to Crappy 
Shute. Heroic and pathetic story 
of a newsbov. 

tiow the Captain Saved the Day. 
Patriotic and pathetic. 

^ow thev Stopped the Run, by An- 
thony Hope. Exciting run on a, bank. 



His Finish. A good golf story. 

Indian Attack, The. A thrilling rescue. 

I Vunder Vy ? German humor. 

Lucky Jim. A convict's sad experi- 
ence. 

Lullaby, by Paul Lawrence Dunbar. 
Sleep song, Negro dialect. 

Mission of a 5ong, The. Descriptive, 
religious, tender. 

My Sweetheart. Pleasing. 

Ole Mislis. A pathetic and thrilling 
storv of the race track. 

Organist, The. Impressive and touch- 
ing. 

Reasonable Doubt, A. In which a 
juryman discovers that a long-lost son 
is being tried for his life. 

Ride by Night, The. A thrilling story 
of the Civil War. 

Rock and the Sea, The. Eloquent de- 
scription 

Story the Doctor Told, The. A strong 
tale of a mother's self-sacrifice. 

Sunset, by Shelley. A sublime descrip- 
tion. 

Thanksgiving Guest, The. A strong, 
pathetic T!iank?givin<?- storv. 

That " Fellow *' Who Came on Sun^ 
days. Humorous. Encore, 

Wherj de Co'n Pone's Hot. Bright 
mid cheery. Dialect. 

When Pa Begins to Shave. Hu« 
morous. 



SHoemaKer's Best 

At the Telephone. The feminine side 
of a delicious conversation. 

Beiirsda's Shopping. Encore. 

Britannia to ColumDia. Anglo-Ameri- 
can friendship expressed ui verse, by 
Britain's Poet-LaureaLe. 

Brother Peasley's Mistake. IMono- 
logue. Funny all througti, but espe- 
cially at the clo=:e. 

Confessional, The. How a v/oman's 
iove turned to hate. Strong, drama- 
tic verse. Much in demand. 
■ ^y Prlngle's Detective Experience. 
Rustic hunior» with a quamt cli- 
max. 

Oat Time Honey Got Los% Negro 
dialect. Unusually funnv. 

Poll's Funeral, The. Told by a child. 
Verv touching. 

Elusive Ten-Dollar Bill, The. Funny 
story of a farmer and a typewriter-. 

Flagging of the Cannon Ball, The. 
A railroad story, with a strong 
climax. 

Gift He Got from Mose, by Will Car- 
leton. Tells of the curing of a mean 
man. 

Going of the White Swan, The. A 
Canadian incident in Sir Gilbert Par- 
ker's strong stvle. \'ery popular. 

How Uncle Brewster Was Too Shifty 
for the Tempter. One o^ Geort^^e 
Adc's inimitable fables. 



Selections No, 27 

Hunchback Pollie, A circus chiWfe 

pathetic storv 
M I Can Be By Her. Stuttering versa 

Very novel and laugh provoking. 
Leetia Humpy Jeem. Itahan dialect 

Pathetic. 
Love Qi Berenice, The. FromWilso* 

Barrett's '* Si^n of tne Cross.'* 

Powerful. 
Making of An Outlaw, The, by S. IL 

Crockett. Tragedy rarely well done.- 
Mrs. Casey at the Euchre Party 

Side-splitiing Irish monologue. 
Mrs. Puffer's Silver Wedding, Ev > 

ceptionai monologue. 
Old Rooter, The. Base ban verse. 

Strikes a popular chord. Resembiei" 

*' Casev at the Bat." 
One=Eye Pete Neaif ie's Parrot. How 

a wicked parrot got religion. 
Opportunity Speaks. Eccentrit 

poetr%', but full of meat. 
Peach Pie. Humorous prose encore. 
Retort Dls^Courteous, The. Rea^ 

Irish wit in verse. 
Sary Emma's Photographs. Th» 

" camera fiend " in humorous verse. 
5ong for Bed=Tlme, A. Lullaby 

verses, full of detriment. 
Stubby's Bouquet. Pathetic bit g» 

slum life. 
Unprofitable Sarvant, An. Th© 

touching story ot au everyday hero. 



Best Thin^^ from Best Author.^ 

Volumes I to 9 Now Issued 



Each volume is composed of three tiumbers of Shoemaker's 
Best Selections, in the order of their issue. They are so arranged witlj 
indexes and classifications of selections, authors, etc., as to make this 
the best collection of choice readings ever published. These volumes 
are not only valuable for reading and recitation purposes, ^nd for use'\ 
as school readers, but containing as they do the best productions fronj 
the most prominent English a:id American authors, they are a veritabia 
encyclopedia of literature. They are a small library in themselves^ 
and as such will prove a most desirable addition to any collection. 

600 pages, each, $1.50. 

^^**Special. — For a limited time we are offering the full set of nin«s 
Yolumes, put up in a neat and durable box, at the special r^-^^e #i ^OQ^ 
iiie regular pdce would be $13.50. 



' ^Entertainment Books for Young People 

Choice Humor 

By Charles C. Shoeme».kef 

For Reading and Recitation 

To prepare a book of humor that shall be free from anything 
that is coarse or vulgar on the one hand, and avoid what is flat and 
insipid on the other, is the difficult task which the compiler set for 
himself, and which he has successfully accomplished. The book 
has been prepared with the utmost care, and it will be found as 
interesting and attractive for private reading as it is valuable for 
public entertainment. 

Paper binding, 30 cents ; cloth, 50 cents. 

Choice Didwlect 

By Charles C. Shoemzwker 

For Reading and Recitation 

This book will be found to contain a rare and valuable collec- 
tion of Irish, German, Scotch, French, Negro, and other dialects, 
and to represent every phase of sentiment from the keenest humor 
or the tenderest pathos to that which is strongly dramatic. It 
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largest scope for his varied abilities, and is entirely free from any- 
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Paper binding, 30 cents ; cloth, 50 cents. 

Choice Dialogues 

By Mr^. J. W. Shoem2s».ker 

For School and Social Entertainment 

"Entirely new and original. The topics have been arranged on a 
comprehensive plan, with reference to securing the greatest possi- 
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; Paper binding, 30 cents ; cloth, 50 cents. 

Humorous Dialogues aiid Dramas 

By Charles C. Shoema.ker 

If there is anything more enjoyable than a humorous reading or 
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Paper binding, 30 cents ; cloth, 50 cents. 

Classic Dialogues and Dramas 

By Mr*/*. J. W, Shoema^ker 

This unique work will prove not only interesting and profitable 
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925-27 FILBERT STREET PHILADELPHIA 



Entertainment Books for Young People 

Sterling Dialogues 

By Winie.m M. Clark 

The dialogues comprising this volume have been chosen from a 
large store of material. The contributions are from the pens of 

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so varied and comprehensive that they are readily adapted to the 
needs of Schools, Academies, and Literary Societies. They are 
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the staging required is simple and easily obtained. 
Paper binding, 30 cents ; cloth, 50 cents. 

Model Dialogues 

By Willia^m M. Clark 

The dialogues comprising this collection have been contributed 
by over thirty of America's best writers in this field of literature. 
They represent every variety of sentiment and emotion, from the 
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Paper binding, 30 cents ; cloth, 50 cents. 

Standard Dialogues 

By Rev. Alexander Cld^^rk, A. M. 

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Entertainment "Boohs for Vonng People 

Schoolday Dialogues 

By Rev. Aiejiander Clark, A. M* 

This book of dialogues, prepared for use in School Enter- 
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Although for the most part composed of serious or pathetic subject- 
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The staging and costuming are of the simplest character, and are 
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Paper binding, 30 cents ; cloth, 50 cents. 

Popular Dialogues 

By Phinea.s Garrett 

The author's large experience in the Entertainment and Amuse- 
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Paper binding, 30 cents ; cloth, 50 cents. 

Excelsior Dialogues 

By Phineg^s Garrett 

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9087 442 



Entertainment Books for Young People 

Fancy Drills and Marche^r 

By Alice M. Kellog'^ 

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By Mfiwrguedte W. Morton 

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Eureka Entertainments 

Thetitleof this volume expresses in a nutshell the character ©f 
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THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY "j 
925-27 FILBERT STREET PHILADELPHIA 









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